The Miami University Scripps Gerontology Center has selected Heather Menne ’01, associate professor and health policy researcher, to lead the Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project (OLTCRP).

The Scripps Gerontology Center is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of aging individuals, their families and communities, and aging societies. One way the Scripps works to accomplish this is by housing the OLTCRP. The OLTCRP was established to provide applied research, policy analysis, and training and education for Ohio public administrators, legislators, and the community at large. 

Throughout the year, the Scripps Gerontology Center conducts several types of projects working with many different nursing homes and nonprofit organizations to gather data and compile reports for the OLTCRP. Occasionally, staff members use their research to give testimony in front of the Ohio legislature, presenting research data and reports to state policymakers.

Menne replaces Robert Applebaum, a key figure in the success of the OLTCRP at Scripps. Applebaum has been the long-term research project director since 2005, and he is now helping Menne transition into the role.

Menne received her Master of Gerontological Studies degree from Miami 25 years ago. She said, “coming back has been a good homecoming,” and she appreciated “having Dr. Applebaum as a mentor for all those years.”

In his years as director of the OLTCRP, Applebaum earned much respect for his research, leadership, and bipartisan relationships in the Ohio state government. 

“We do an array of programs and research activities, and they're all designed to help state policy makers, providers, nursing homes, home care, and assisted living to be able to deliver services as effectively and as efficiently as they can,” Applebaum said. “We’ve surveyed every nursing home and every assisted living facility in the state biennially.”

“Our research is very applied. I think we try to instill in our students and in our research that this research has to make a difference in people's lives,” he said.

Both Applebaum and Menne agreed that there is no typical day working at the Scripps Gerontology Center. The work is constantly shifting and adapting to best meet the needs of the aging population.

“We need to address the questions that are coming to mind, but maybe even forecast what questions are coming so we can make sure that the state is able to lead appropriately in doing the best that they can for the Ohio residents,” Menne said. 

Looking ahead, Menne anticipates a variety of challenges as changes continue in technology, budget planning, and the ever-aging population and declining caregiver pool. However, with the help of her colleagues at Scripps and on the OLTCRP, she is prepared to face these challenges head on.

“I have a great support system around me,” Menne said. “I'm building up my connections internally, which are going to continue to grow and have to grow.”

Ultimately, Applebaum said, “Our goal is that we want to create a system that treats people with dignity, respect, and care throughout their lives.” 

Menne added, “Even before our time, there was a great pathway set forward by several others to get us to this stage, gaining that respect and that trust.”

Applebaum and Menne have an evident rapport, building off of each other’s answers and working together to remember specific details. They are a strong team to lead the OLTCRP. The work that they, and everyone at the Scripps Gerontology Center, complete is vital for the support of state policy and long-term care in Ohio.

Nicole Hoyer, director of state relations and government relations in ASPIRE (Advancing State Priorities, Igniting Regional Economies) at Miami, agreed, saying “the Scripps Gerontology Center is a great example of providing research and data to leaders across the state in a variety of fields.” 

She commended Applebaum for his efforts as OLTCRP director. 

“It’s important to recognize Bob Applebaum for all of the great work and contributions he has made to the university,” Hoyer said “He has done a lot uplifting the university. I look forward to working with Heather Menne more as well.”

Applebaum and Menne are a great example of the strong history and future of the Scripps Gerontology Center and the Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project.