ValleyLINK Communications 123 Franklin Blvd. Eugene, Ore.

97401 555-876-1234

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 7, 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Elise Byers Director of Media Relations 541-490-3769 elise@uoregon.edu

ValleyLINK launches new service for seniors to improve mental health EUGENE, Ore. Jane Smith of the Eugene Senior Center spends much of her day alone, isolated from the outside world. At 89 years of age with limited mobility, life at the senior center can feel lonely. Jane struggles with bouts of depression at times because of her lack of communication with friends and family. ValleyLINK Communications, with help from The Foundation for Senior Action, is announcing the launch of SeniorLINK, a program that will help Jane and other seniors reconnect and communicate with life outside of their assisted living homes. They are celebrating the launch of the project by opening a brand new computer lab at the Eugene Senior Center during National Mental Health Week. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Eugene Senior Center on Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. Volunteers from the Central College Computer Department and local high schools will be teaching seniors how to use email and social media sites. Studies -more-

ValleyLINK launches new service for seniors to improve mental health Page 2 from the Journal of the American Medical Association have shown that seniors who are communicating with the outside world are more likely to have positive mental attitudes and a better outlook on life. This is a great opportunity for ValleyLINK to get involved in the community. We are trying to promote computer use for senior citizens. We are hoping to improve their lives by allowing them to contact their families and friends through email and social media outlets. It makes it easy for them to learn how to use computers through our program, Lou Anderson, president of ValleyLINK, said about the project. The Foundation for Senior Action has given ValleyLINK a $30,000 grant for a one- year trail of the program and HealthWay Pharmacies, Inc., has agreed to donate computer equipment for the project. ### About ValleyLINK Communications: ValleyLINK was founded by Lou Anderson and has been providing full-service Internet access to Eugene and the surrounding area since 2006. ValleyLINKs office is located downtown Eugene, Ore. For more Information, please contact Elise Byers, director of media relations, at 541-490-3769, or visit www.ValleyLINK.com.