Older Americans Month: Learn about Harrison County’s RUOK Program

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- May is Older Americans Month and with 20 percent of the population in Harrison County being aged 60 or older, there are many services for senior citizens in the area, including the ‘RUOK’ welfare program.

In December of 2024, Harrison County Senior Resources Agency inherited the RUOK program from the Biloxi Police Department 

The RUOK program is a daily check-in service designed to support seniors with morning phone calls to ensure their well-being.

If a senior does not answer the call, law enforcement is contacted to perform a welfare check. This program helps reduce social isolation and ensures seniors feel cared for and connected with someone every day.

Roughly 20% of the population in Harrison County is aged 60 and over. It is the fastest-growing population in the area. 

Harrison County Senior Services already serves approximately 7,000 seniors each month through seven senior centers that offer social activities, meals, and wellness programs. The addition of RUOK aligns with the agency’s ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults in the community.