An award of $20,000 will be given to partnerships of community agencies and caregiving researchers working to improve the health and well-being of caregivers at the community level. Click here for more information.
Posted on February 19, 2010
Deadline: July 1, 2010
The National Human Services Assembly: Thursdays at Three Webinars 03-04-2010
Think you already know everything about baby boomers?
In a quandary about how to save money without laying off staff?
Are measurable outcomes another hoop-jumping exercise for you and your program staff?
The National Human Services Assembly recommends the following prescription for these conundrums:
• A series of webinars for you and your network
• National expertise on the changing nature of communities and practice
• Experts coming directly to your laptop
• Savings on travel and its associated hassle factors
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the agency is adding 38 more conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances. This is the first expansion since the original list of 50 conditions - 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers - was announced in October 2008. The new conditions range from adult brain disorders to rare diseases that primarily affect children. The complete list of the new Compassionate Allowance conditions is attached.
“The addition of these new conditions expands the scope of Compassionate Allowances to a broader subgroup of conditions like early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” Commissioner Astrue said. “The expansion we are announcing today means tens of thousands of Americans with devastating disabilities will now get approved for benefits in a matter of days rather than months and years.”
Compassionate Allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits. It allows the agency to electronically target and make speedy decisions for the most obviously disabled individuals. In developing the expanded list of conditions, Social Security held public hearings and worked closely with the National Institutes of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, and other groups.
"The diagnosis of Alzheimer's indicates significant cognitive impairment that interferes with daily living activities, including the ability to work," said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "Now, individuals who are dealing with the enormous challenges of Alzheimer's won't also have to endure the financial and emotional toll of a long disability decision process."
“This truly innovative program will provide invaluable assistance and support to patients and families coping with severely disabling rare diseases,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, President and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). “On behalf of those patients and families, I want to thank Commissioner Astrue and his enthusiastic team for creating and now expanding a program that will have a direct impact on the quality of life of thousands of individuals."
“The initiative not only assists those whose applications are quickly processed, but also assists those whose applications need more time and attention from SSA adjudicators,” said Marty Ford, Co-Chair, Social Security Task Force, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. “We are pleased to see today's expansion and look forward to working with Commissioner Astrue on further expansion of this decision-making tool and other ways to expedite determinations and decisions for disability claims.”
“We will continue to hold hearings and look for other diseases and conditions that can be added to our list of Compassionate Allowances," Commissioner Astrue said. “There can be no higher priority than getting disability benefits quickly to those Americans with these severe and life-threatening conditions.”
Social Security will begin electronically identifying these 38 new conditions March 1.
Sponsored by the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
March 3, 2010
This Webinar will provide an introduction to Lifespan Respite, including Lifespan Respite legislation, AoA's role in implementation, best practices in State Lifespan Respite Programs, and information to help you plan for a Lifespan Respite System in your state. The Webinar is open to Lifespan Respite Grantees, representatives of state governmental agencies, State Respite Coalitions, ADRCs, respite providers, and national, state and community-based organizations who would like an introduction to the concept of Lifespan Respite. The Webinar will be open to the first 200 registrants and will be archived at www.archrespite.org for later viewing.
FROM:Director, Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Programs
SUBJECT:Needs Assessment
We are just about to begin the final year of the current Title VI grant period.The Administration on Aging will publish a Federal Register announcement for new Title VI applications in the fall of 2010, with applications being due late December 2010 or early January 2011.Copies of this announcement will be mailed to you once it is published.
This memo is a reminder that a new needs assessment is required as a part of your new application.You may want to consider beginning this process now so you can use the information from your needs assessment in developing your new program objectives.As most of you are aware, the NationalResourceCenter on Native American Aging through the University of North Dakota can help you in conducting the needs assessment and analyzing the results.I urge you to contact them soon in order to schedule your assessment.The contact information is:
Twyla Baker-Demaray
NationalResourceCenter on Native American Aging
Center for Rural Health
University of North DakotaSchool of Medicine and Health Sciences
Older Americans Act is up for Reauthorization in 2011 02-04-2010
ATTENTION:
The Older Americans Act is up for reauthorization in 2011.The Administration on Aging will be holding three Listening Forums and accepting testimony in writing and online from national, state, tribal, regional or local organizations.Please take the time to review the information found on:
American Indians and Alaska Native Elders Fall More 02-02-2010
One in five American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) elders age 65 and older have fallen multiple times in the past year, the highest prevalence of any racial group, according to a new Center fact sheet that provides the first statewide California data on AIAN elder health.
Using data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS ), the fact sheet looks at a range of issues associated with AIAN elder health, including diabetes, tobacco use and low rates of cancer screening. Among the most surprising findings: 22% of AIAN elders age 65 years and older have had multiple falls in the last year compared with 14% among all other races. Low-income AIAN elders are nearly twice as likely to experience falls, an incident closely correlated with declining overall health.
Although the data do not supply an immediate explanation for the high falls rate, the authors found that only one-quarter to one-third of any racial/ethnic group received a review of their medications by a health care professional following a fall. High rates of falls and other chronic conditions may be exacerbated by AIAN elder's lower-than-average access to health care.
"These findings document the importance of public health and primary care provider vigilance about screening older adults for falls and chronic conditions, and the need to take well-known preventive measures when appropriate," said the fact sheet's co-author, Center Research Scientist Delight Satter.
The fact sheet will be followed in February by a policy brief that further examines AIAN elder health issues.
Older Americans Act is up for reauthorization in 2011 01-28-2010
ATTENTION:
The Older Americans Act is up for reauthorization in 2011.The Administration on Aging will be holding three Listening Forums and accepting testimony in writing and online from national, state, tribal, regional or local organizations.Please take the time to review the information found on:
Are you on facebook? If so, keep up to date on the latest information from University of North Dakota's National Resource Center on Native American Aging by becoming a fan of them on facebook! Click here.
Older Americans Act Reauthorization Forums - Save the Date(s) 01-21-2010
In advance of the 2011 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, the Administration on Aging (AoA) plans to convene a series of Reauthorization Listening Forums early in 2010 to get input from the aging network, stakeholders, policymakers and the public (in particular older Americans) on key issues that will impact our growing aging population and their families. The dates and locations have just been decided, and we wanted to share this information with you. Dallas (Regions IV, VI, VII and Title VI representatives) on February 18th; Washington, DC Metro Area (Regions I, II, III, and V) on February 25th; and San Francisco (Regions VIII, IX, X and Title VIrepresentatives) on March 3rd. In addition, a separate listening forum will be held at the NCOA/ASA Annual Conference in Chicago on March 16th. As more information on these forums becomes available, we will immediately share it with you. In the meantime, please Save the Date(s)! Additional information can be found on AoA’s web page: http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/News/2009/12_17_09.aspx
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) 01-13-2010
Check out more information on the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), which serves as a resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment.
Our Voices, 1,000 Ways to Fight Abuse in Indian Communities Campaign 01-13-2010
This funding is being provided through a partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) through a joint agreement. The purpose of this funding is to combat all types of abuse including: drug, alcohol, domestic, elder, physical, mental, and, also, suicide amongst Native Americans through the development of volunteer programs in Native American communities.
Using established VISTA and Corporation for National and Community Service networks serving Native American communities, grants of $1,000 will be awarded to interested communities.
Pre-ASA Conference Fit and Strong! Instructor Training 01-06-2010
The Fit and Strong! team at the Center for Research on Health and Aging at the University of Illinois, Chicago, is announcing a Fit and Strong! Instructor Training which will be held prior to the American Society on Aging-National Council on Aging Joint Conference in Chicago this spring.
Fit and Strong! is an award-winning, evidence-based physical activity/behavior change program for older adults with osteoarthritis. It is an eight-week program that meets three times per week for 90 minutes. Although the program lasts 8 weeks, evidence from two large-scale randomized trials has shown significant participant functional and physical activity improvements that were maintained at two, six, 12 and 18 months, including sustained engagement in physical activity. Fit and Strong! was developed and tested with funding from our National Institute on Aging/NIH Roybal Center and is approved and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Administration on Aging, and the National Council on Aging. For more information visit the The Fit and Strong! Team website at www.Fitandstrong.org
The training will be held on Monday 3/15/10 from 9am-5pm at our facility on the UIC campus: 1747 W. Roosevelt Rd., Rm. 461. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please note that the training is scheduled to be the before day the opening of the American Society on Aging meeting.
Please contact PJ Desai, Project Manager, to reserve a spot, discuss any concerns, or get information on licensure and fee options: Email: pdesai5@uic.edu, Phone: 312-355-3174.
WELL Balanced Program Accepting Applications for Pilot Sites 11-13-2009
The WELL (Wise Elders Living Longer) Balanced program focuses on assisting native elders within tribal communities. Its goal is to help elders:
• Increase their physical strength
• Improve their ability to prevent falls
• Manage diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension
• Engage in social activity and
• Increase their level of exercise
The WELL Balanced program relies on volunteers that will train and organize 16 classes over an 8 week period. These volunteers will attend a FREE training session on the course and receive a jacket for their participation and dedication to helping out within their communities. To learn more about the program, please click here.
If you are interested in this FREE new program, the program is taking applications for pilot sites. Please contact Jacob Davis, the National Resource Center on Native American Aging Project Coordinator at (701) 777-6780 or jacob.davis@medicine.nodak.edu.
We just received good news from OMB – any grantee receiving less than $25,000 in ARRA (stimulus) funds will not have to report through www.federalreporting.gov . HOWEVER, you still have to submit a SF 296, Financial Status Report for your stimulus funds. You also have to report on performance output. I have attached a short form you can use to report your performance output. Please fax (202-357-3560) or e-mail (yvonne.jackson@aoa.hhs.gov) your performance output form when you have used all your stimulus funds.
If you have not already done so, please spend your stimulus funds as soon as possible. Also, I encourage you to submit your SF 269 as soon as the funds are spent.
ARRA (Stimulus Funds) REPORTING - Update 08-12-2009
DATE: August 12, 2009
TO: Title VI Directors
FROM: Yvonne Jackson
Director, Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native and
Native Hawaiian Programs
SUBJECT: ARRA (Stimulus Funds) REPORTING - Update
Although we still do not know the reporting format, I wanted to give you an update on what we know about the reporting requirements for the ARRA (stimulus funds) grant awards you received earlier this year.
All reports must be submitted via the internet on the national reporting web site – www.federalreporting.gov
Your reports must be entered into the national reporting system beginning on October 1, 2009 through October 11, 2009. If you will be unable to submit your report via the internet, please let me know immediately.
You must register on the web site in order to submit your report. You can start registering beginning on August 17, 2009. In order to register, you must have a D&B DUNS number and a CCR number. You already have a DUNS number since you have to include it on your Title VI application. However, you may not have a CCR number. Ask your finance office if your Tribe has a CCR number. If you do not, you can obtain a CCR number at http://www.ccr.gov.aspx.
Before October 11, 2009 you will be receiving further information from me on exactly how to fill out the report.
Free Consumer Resources Available from the Federal Trade Commission 07-15-2009
At the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, education is considered a consumer’s first line of defense against fraud and deception in the marketplace. The agency produces practical, objective, actionable and plain language information in English and Spanish to help people avoid rip-offs and exercise their rights.
From sweepstakes scams to online safety and security, telemarketing fraud to travel scams, mortgage foreclosure rescue scams to miracle health claims, or credit reports to bogus cancer cures, the FTC has free articles, brochures, bookmarks, and outreach kits that you can use to help your clients. A full list of resources is at ftc.gov/consumer.
In addition to extensive print information, the FTC gathers its consumer information into one-stop websites. The sites have buttons, videos and other features that are “up for grabs” for your own online resources. Some key topics include:
* Healthcare products and services: Who Cares (ftc.gov/whocares) helps you find reliable sources of information on a variety of health topics, including Medicare fraud, medical ID theft, generic drugs, and assisted living.
* Telemarketing fraud: Who’s Calling? (ftc.gov/phonefraud) provides information about common telemarketing scams and how to avoid them, including credit and loan offers, identity theft, sweepstakes and lotteries, and work-at-home and business opportunities. It also explains and links to the National Do Not Call Registry, where people can register their phone number to limit the telemarketing calls they receive (donotcall.gov).
* Identity theft: Deter, Detect, Defend: Avoid ID Theft (ftc.gov/idtheft) offers detailed information about avoiding identity theft and what to do if personal information is stolen or abused.
* Online safety: OnGuard Online (www.OnGuardOnline.gov) provides practical tips to help guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect personal information. The articles, games, and videos on the site cover 19 topics, including spam scams and online shopping.
All FTC materials are in the public domain: Reprint them, use them as the basis for a presentation, or even co-brand them with your organization’s name and logo. All consumer information from the FTC tells readers to report scams and fraud to the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters all complaints it receives into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database that’s used by thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement authorities to pursue legal action.
To order 50 or more copies of publications, visit the FTC’s Bulk Order site: ftc.gov/bulkorder.
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Kathy J. Greenlee confirmed as U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging 06-29-2009
The Administration on Aging (AoA) is proud to announce that on Thursday, June 25, 2009, Kathy J. Greenlee was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Assistant Secretary for Aging at the Department of Health and Human Services. President Barack Obama nominated Ms. Greenlee for the position on May 4, 2009.
Ms. Greenlee served as Kansas' Secretary of Aging, heading a cabinet-level agency whose mission is to promote the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors. KDOA is responsible for administration of Older Americans Act programs, distribution of Medicaid long-term care payments and regulation of nursing home licensure and survey processes. Greenlee had previously served as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Kansas, as well as the state's Assistant Secretary of Aging, with the responsibilities of legislative liaison and chief budget officer.
As Assistant Secretary of Aging, Greenlee served as general counsel at the Kansas Insurance Department (KID). During her tenure at KID, she led the team of regulators who evaluated the proposed sale of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas. While there, she also oversaw the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas program, more commonly known as SHICK. That program is now part of the Department on Aging.
Kathy Greenlee recently served on the board of the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA). NASUA represents the nation's 56 officially designated state and territorial agencies on aging.
Ms. Greenlee is a graduate of the University of Kansas with degrees in business administration and law.
Ms. Greenlee has vast experience advancing and promoting the health and independence of older Americans. Please join us in welcoming Kathy Greenlee to Washington.
Federal ARRA Reporting Requirements Update 06-24-2009
Dear ARRA Grant Recipient:
Earlier this year you received a Notice of Award for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Nutrition funding from the Administration on Aging (AoA). At the time this award was issued, one of the Standard Terms and Conditions read as follows:
Not later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter, starting with the quarter ending June 30, 2009 and reporting by July 10, 2009, the recipient must submit quarterly reports to HHS that will be posted to Recovery.gov.
Since we issued these awards, the timeline for submitting reports has been updated. The 1st reports are expected to be cumulative from the beginning of the receipt of funds through September 30, 2009 with a reporting deadline of October 10, 2009. Thereafter reports will be due quarterly 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
As you may know, Federal ARRA reporting requirements have not yet been finalized. AoA will keep you posted on any updates as we learn of them. You may also want to periodically visit www.federalreporting.gov for information updates.
Sincerely,
Greg Case
Office of Grants Management
President Obama Announces Kimberly Teehee as Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs 06-18-2009
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
__________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today, in taped remarks to the 2009 National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year Conference, President Barack Obama announced the appointment of Kimberly Teehee as Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs. As a member of the Domestic Policy Council, Teehee will advise the President on issues impacting Indian Country. President Obama also announced that the White House will hold a Tribal Nations Conference later this fall.
"Kim Teehee will be a tremendous asset to our team as we work to strengthen and build on the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the United States and tribal nations," said President Obama. "She is rightly recognized as an outstanding advocate for Indian Country, and she will provide a direct interface at the highest level of my Administration, assuring a voice for Native Americans during policy making decisions."
Kimberly K. Teehee, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council
Since January of 1998, Teehee has served as a Senior Advisor to the House of Representatives Native American Caucus Co-Chair, Congressman Dale Kildee (D-MI). A member of the Cherokee Nation, she has also served as the Director of Native American Outreach for the Presidential Inaugural Committee for President Clinton’s second Inauguration. Prior to that, Teehee was the Deputy Director of Native American Outreach at the Democratic National Committee. She has also held various positions with the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, including serving as a Law Clerk in the Division of Law and Justice. Teehee received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northeastern State University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa, College of Law. While in law school, Teehee was honored with the Bureau of National Affairs Award and served in leadership positions in the National Native American Law Student Association and the Iowa Native American Law Student Association.
President Obama’s taped remarks to the National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year Conference follow:
Good morning everyone. I appreciate this opportunity to speak with you today and to express my admiration and support for the critical work NCAI does advocating for the rights and aspirations of American Indians and Alaska Natives. I’m also pleased to have the chance to acknowledge your President, Joe Garcia, for his outstanding leadership in this regard.
As you all know, our nation is at a defining moment, facing challenges unlike any in our lifetime, both at home and abroad. And as we work to rebuild our economy, strengthen our security and ensure that our children have every opportunity to fulfill their dreams, we’ll need every American and every community to get involved.
That is why I am committed to strengthening and building on the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the United States and tribal nations. That commitment started with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides over $3 billion in funding for Indian Country. And it extends to our work to empower Native communities to address their pressing local priorities, starting with significant increases in the 2010 proposed budget for health care, law enforcement and education. I recognize that this budget proposal does not make up for past deficiencies, but it does reflect my determination to work with you to reevaluate our spending priorities and include Native Americans in the national policy debate.
These efforts will not be easy. At times the pace of progress will be frustrating. But I am confident that we can bring the change we need, particularly given the outstanding team of leaders and experts whom I’ve chosen to join my Administration. Individuals like Larry Echo Hawk as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs; Yvette Roubideaux as Director of the Indian Health Service; Mary Smith as Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice; and Hilary Tomkins as Solicitor of the Department of Interior.
I am also pleased to point out that Jodi Gillette of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who is a member of my White House Intergovernmental Affairs staff, is with you today. And I am delighted to announce that someone many of you know -- Kim Teehee -- will soon be joining the White House Domestic Policy Council.
As we move forward, I want you to know that my staff and I are eager to engage with Indian Country on your priorities – to listen to you and learn from you. I am particularly looking forward to meeting with many of you at the Tribal Nations Conference we will hold at the White House later this fall.
Again, I thank you for your commitment. I wish you much success in your discussion today, and I look forward to hearing about it from Jodi when she returns to Washington later this week.
Letter from Dr. Yvonne Jackson: ARRA Grant Awards Reporting Clarification 06-11-2009
Dear Title VI Director,
I have been receiving questions about reporting for your stimulus funds (ARRA Grant Awards) since your award letters state that the first reports are due in June. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is developing a government wide reporting form. However, they have not yet finalized the report format. Thus, no reports are due until I provide you with additional information. I will do that as soon as we get the final report format from OMB. In the meantime, keep track of the number of meals, the unduplicated number of elders receiving meals, and the count of any other ways you have used the funds (i.e. hired a part time cook).
Hopefully, most of you have already spent your ARRA funds or will spend them soon. Please ask your finance department to draw down the ARRA funds from PMS as soon as they are used. Our PMS report shows that only three Tribes have drawn down any ARRA money. Floyd Godfrey will be calling some of you to ask about how you are using your funds. AoA has to submit a report to the Department of Health and Human Services every week on the use of ARRA funds and to provide examples of how the funds are being used. Any information you can give him will be helpful and will let other people know about the Title VI program.
Thank you,
Yvonne Jackson, Ph.D.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 05-05-2009
AoA Guidance for State, Tribal and Area Agencies on Aging on H1N1 Influenza 05-05-2009
During this public health emergency of H1N1 Influenza, it is important for the Administration on Aging's (AoA) National Aging Services Network to stay tuned to the latest information available. The most reliable information is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
AoA is closely monitoring reports of confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza. This illness has affected mostly younger age groups, particularly school-age children. Many schools with confirmed cases of the H1N1 Influenza have closed for a week or so in an effort to reduce the spread.
Most of the individuals that have H1N1 Influenza have relatively mild illness; however, this could change quickly to more severe illness. This contagion could continue for an indefinite period of time.
State, Tribal and Area Agencies on Aging need to work closely with State and local health departments to exchange information and obtain guidance about issues of concern in the community. Aging programs should continue normal operations, unless an issue is been raised about staff or participant illness.
The only method to confirm H1N1 Influenza is laboratory testing.
Although seasonal flu ebbs at this time of year, it is still possible that "regular" flu or similar illness unrelated to the H1N1 flu may occur.
State, Tribal, Area Agencies on Aging and services providers have the authority to close local programs if there is cause for concern. It is recommended that this action be coordinated with local health officials before a decision is made. Seniors who have flu-like symptoms should stay away from group activities such as congregate meal sites, senior centers and group transportation services. If individual assistance is needed, seniors should contact their Area Agency on Aging and/or Tribal officials.
State, Tribal, Area Agencies on Aging and services providers should assure adequate supplies are on hand. It may be important to discuss the need to obtain extra supplies of home-delivered meals, especially if you are in a disaster-prone area. It is possible that the supply chain could be disrupted during this health care emergency.
State, Tribal, Area Agencies on Aging and aging services providers should continue to educate seniors about important precautions they can take to protect themselves from an infection. Individuals need to adhere to CDC guidance regarding hygiene which includes:
1) Frequent hand washing, especially before eating;
2) Covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing as the disease is spread through upper respiratory secretions.
3) Staying home when ill. If the symptoms are similar to the flu with elevated temperature, individuals should be in touch with their physician or health care provider.
Tribal Organizations
The Indian Health Service (IHS) has been in daily communication with Tribal officials. Tribal organizations should coordinate with HIS representatives and State and Area Agencies can assist as well.
Caregivers
Caregivers should maintain their own health by getting enough rest and practicing appropriate hygiene. They should monitor those for whom they care for possible symptoms of the H1N1 Influenza Virus. If symptoms occur, they should contact a health care professional immediately.
Grandparents who are caring for children should stay in touch with local officials regarding any special precautions that may be needed for young children.
Health Care and Long Term Care Facilities
CDC has released interim guidance for health care and long-term care facilities for residents with confirmed or suspected H1N1 virus.
Vice President Biden Announces Awards of $3 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Support Senior Nutrition Programs in Indian Country 03-19-2009
The White House
Office of Media Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Contact: Office of Media Affairs
Vice President Biden Announces Awards of $3 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Support Senior Nutrition Programs in Indian Country
Vice President Joe Biden announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services will award $3 million in Recovery Act funding to provide meals to low-income seniors in Indian Country.
“Across the country, older Americans depend on senior centers and home delivery programs for regular, healthy meals. Today, more senior citizens are in need, but the programs they depend on are on the brink of reducing their services or closing down,” said Vice President Biden. “The Recovery Act will help ensure older Americans are not forced to choose between paying bills and buying food.”
Nationwide, the Recovery Act provides $65 million for congregate nutrition services provided at senior centers and other community sites and $32 million for home delivered nutrition services delivered to frail elders at home. $3 million for Native American nutrition programs will be made available in April. The funding will be awarded to 56 states and territories and 246 tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. States will award the funds to organizations that provide nutrition services in their communities. Funding for nutrition programs for seniors in the Older Americans Act was initially authored and championed by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
The Recovery Act funding comes as budget constraints have forced states and tribes to limit community-based services and critical Older Americans Act related services, including home-delivered meals. Across the country, organizations that serve senior citizens have scaled back services and limited the number of meals served per week.
The economic downturn has also made it difficult for many seniors to afford the right foods to keep themselves healthy and active. Additionally, many seniors may be too impaired to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Without regular nutritious meals, the health of many older Americans declines; they become more susceptible to illness; their ability to manage their chronic diseases is reduced, and they may lose their ability to remain at home, independent in their community.
For more information about senior nutrition programs and to see a state-by-state breakdown of funding for senior nutrition programs, visit www.hhs.gov.
The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.
Vice President Biden Announces Release of Nearly $100 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Support Senior Nutrition Programs 03-18-2009
Subject: HHS RELEASE--
Date: March 18, 2009
For Release: Immediately
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
Headline: Vice President Biden Announces Release of Nearly $100 Millionin Recovery Act Funding to Support Senior Nutrition Programs
Approximately 14 million meals to be provided through Recovery Act,Funding Will Support Community Programs Struggling to Serve Seniors. Vice President Joe Biden announced today that the Department of Healthand Human Services will award $100 million in Recovery Act funding toprovide meals to tens of thousands of low-income older Americans inneed. The funding is expected to provide nearly 14 million mealsnationwide.
"Across the country, older Americans depend on senior centers and homedelivery programs for regular, healthy meals. Today, more seniorcitizens are in need, but the programs they depend on are on the brinkof reducing their services or closing down," said Vice President Biden.
"The Recovery Act will help ensure older Americans are not forced tochoose between paying bills and buying food."The Recovery Act provides $65 million for congregate nutrition servicesprovided at senior centers and other community sites, $32 million forhome delivered nutrition services delivered to frail elders at home and$3 million for Native American nutrition programs.
The funding will beawarded to 56 states and territories and 246 tribes and Native Hawaiianorganizations. States will award the funds to organizations that providenutrition services in their communities. Funding for nutrition programsfor seniors in the Older Americans Act was initially authored andchampioned by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
The Recovery Act funding comes as budget constraints have forced statesand tribes to limit community-based services and critical OlderAmericans Act related services, including home-delivered meals. Acrossthe country, organizations that serve senior citizens have scaled backservices and limited the number of meals served per week.
The economic downturn has also made it difficult for many seniors toafford the right foods to keep themselves healthy and active.Additionally, many seniors may be too impaired to prepare nutritiousmeals for themselves. Without regular nutritious meals, the health ofmany older Americans declines; they become more susceptible to illness;their ability to manage their chronic diseases is reduced, and they maylose their ability to remain at home, independent in their community.
For more information about senior nutrition programs and to see astate-by-state breakdown of funding for senior nutrition programs, visitwww.hhs.gov.
The activities described in this release are being funded through theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress ofHHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery.
Totrack all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visitwww.recovery.gov.
###
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials areavailable at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
President Obama signs the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 03-06-2009
The Administration on Aging (AoA) is pleased to report that on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The legislation contains key investments that will prevent the loss of health coverage, promote prevention programs and lower health care spending for our nation during these challenging economic times. The legislation includes $100 million for meals and nutrition services for older Americans to help them maintain their health and independence, allocated as follows:
o $65 million for congregate nutrition services
o $32 million for home-delivered nutrition services
o $3 million for Native American nutrition services under Title VI.
These funds will assist communities hit hard by rising food costs at a time when demand for services is increasing due to the economic downturn and the growing number of older adults. AoA is already in the process of doing the necessary work to make these funds available as soon as possible. More information on the allocation of these funds, as well as the reporting requirements related to them, will be forthcoming.
For more information about the ARRA, please visit www.Recovery.gov, the new website that allows taxpayers to see how Americans will be helped by this landmark legislation.
