What good is a program designed to improve the lives of people if those folks don’t know about it?

In my opinion, not much.

Government, private businesses and nonprofits are really good at creating programs that are helpful to people from all walks of life.

I’m most familiar with initiatives sponsored by our state government and can attest to the many opportunities - especially for seniors - to reduce prescription drug costs, make housing more affordable and aid our veterans.

Yet all too often, people are simply unaware of these programs or fail to apply.

Case in point: Pennsylvania has a robust property tax relief program for seniors and individuals living with a disability, known as the Property Tax and Rent Rebate.

Historically, about 757,000 folks are eligible for a refund of up to $650 annually.

Yet more than 300,000 people - a full 40 percent of eligible citizens - fail to apply for the PTRR.

We try our best to promote state programs through newsletters, email blasts and social media posts.

But the most effective way to raise awareness of these programs is in person.

To that end, state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, and I are hosting our annual senior fair May 17 at the East Side Youth Center, 1140 E. Clair St., Allentown.

Doors open at 9 a.m. and the event runs through noon.

Events like this senior fair are great opportunities for people to learn more about programs and benefits available to them. In addition to state officials, there will be professionals on hand from the County of Lehigh, AARP and many other organizations who will share information about opportunities for seniors.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more, join Rep. Schlossberg and me at our annual senior fair.

Together we can increase awareness of programs for seniors.

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Editor’s note: State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-22nd, represents the 22nd Legislative District which includes: Allentown Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6 Division 1, Ward 07, Ward 08 Divisions 1 and 2, Ward 9, Ward 10 Division 1, Ward 11 Divisions 1 and 2, Ward 12, Ward 14 Division 2, Ward 16 and Ward 19.