TOPEKA, Kansas - Governor Mark Parkinson is extending his gratitude and appreciation to Gilbert Cruz, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, for his service to the state as he leaves to enter the private sector.

“Gilbert has been a terrific advocate for Kansas seniors, caregivers and veterans; and our state is a better place thanks to his service. I wish him and his family all the best on their next endeavor,” said Parkinson.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program represents the rights of nearly 28,000 individuals located in adult care homes throughout Kansas. This coverage is comprised of nursing home facilities, assisted living facilities, home plus facilities, and Long-Term Care Units hospitals. The ombudsman program provides free advocacy assistance to long-term care residents. Cruz, Garden City, has served as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman since 2006. Cruz is leaving his position as ombudsman to purse a business opportunity in the telehealth monitoring industry for seniors in the home.

With Cruz’s resignation, Parkinson has asked Joe Dobson, Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Region 3, to serves as the Interim State Ombudsman.

“I am confident that Joe’s background in long-term care will serve him well as he supervises this important office,” said Parkinson.