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Governor Josh Shapiro Honored as 2025 Champion for Aging

This week, the Connected Health and Safety Association (CHS) held its national conference in Philadelphia, where a range of national leaders in personal emergency response, remote patient monitoring, and home care innovation gathered to discuss the latest industry advancements and policies. A spotlight of the two-day event was the presentation of the prestigious 2025 "Champion for Aging" Award to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Recognizing Leadership in Aging Policy

Governor Shapiro was celebrated for his pivotal role in developing the Aging Our Way, PA program, the Commonwealth's strategic plan addressing the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. This initiative, among others, includes expanding Medicaid coverage for essential safety devices and enhancing support for caregivers, thus empowering older residents to age with dignity.

"Governor Shapiro has set a new standard for aging policy in America," stated Geoff Gross, President of CHS and CEO of Medical Guardian. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to independence, wellness, and safety for aging populations.

Commitment to Empowerment

In his acceptance speech, Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between state leadership and industry innovators. He expressed pride in accepting the award, underscoring that it aligns with his mission to provide older Pennsylvanians with the freedom to live independently, supported by necessary services. Looking forward, Governor Shapiro acknowledged the growing demographic shift in aging adults, stating that by 2030, this population will outnumber others, prompting his administration to take ongoing action to enhance their quality of life.

The Governor noted, "From historic property tax rebates to affordable housing and dependable transportation, I'm committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania remains a place where our seniors can thrive in their golden years."

Keynote Discussions on Future Care

The conference also featured a notable keynote fireside chat with industry leaders, including Dan Hilferty, former CEO of Independence Blue Cross, and David Baiada, CEO of Bayada Home Health Care. Moderated by Geoff Gross, the session explored strategies for aligning healthcare stakeholders—payors, providers, and technology innovators—to redefine aging-in-place models and establish a sustainable, tech-enabled care ecosystem.

A New Era of Connected Health and Safety

In a significant announcement, the Medical Alert Monitoring Association (MAMA) has rebranded to the Connected Health and Safety Association (CHS). This transformation signifies the industry's expanding role beyond traditional medical alert monitoring into a broader mission aimed at connected health, wellness, and safety solutions. Gross highlighted this evolution, stating that CHS represents a collective vision for future innovation in healthcare.

As a key participant in this initiative, members of the association are committed to advancing technology that enhances personal safety and promotes greater independence in daily living. Leveraging education, advocacy, and strategic networking, CHS aims to drive meaningful changes across the tech-enabled healthcare landscape.

About Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian, based in Philadelphia and founded in 2005, has established itself as a leader in digital health and safety solutions, aiding over 625,000 aging adults in living independently. The company prides itself on a 93% customer satisfaction rate and its standing as a top-rated choice for medical alert devices in 2025, further asserting its commitment to fostering a safer, more secure environment for older adults. For more details on the Connected Health Safety Association and future events, visit chsassociation.org and learn more about Medical Guardian at medicalguardian.com.