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2004
JULY
AoA and CMS Medicare-Approved Drug
Discount Card Outreach Campaign Request for Proposals
On May 27, 2004, HHS Secretary Thompson announced
an initiative that targets enrolling low-income seniors and persons
with disabilities in the Medicare-approved drug discount card
program, so that these individuals take advantage of discounts
and $1,200 over the next 18 months to pay for their prescription
medicine. HHS
Release
As part of the Secretary’s initiative,
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, on behalf of the Administration
on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS), is soliciting applications for the Medicare-Approved Drug
Discount Card Outreach campaign. This program is part of AoA
and CMS efforts to raise awareness among low-income beneficiaries
about the new Medicare-approved Drug Discount Card and, for those
who qualify, the $600 annual transitional assistance credit.
Download Request for Proposal:
- State
Coordination Grants - United We Ride (Off Site)
States will be eligible to submit an application for United We Ride State
Coordination Grants, to address gaps and needs related to human service transportation
in their geographic regions. (07/13/04)
JUNE
2005-2006 PACKER
POLICY FELLOWSHIPS
An Australian-American Health Policy Fellowship Program
On behalf of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing,
The
Commonwealth Fund is pleased to announce the Packer Policy Fellowships, an
Australian-American health policy fellowship program. This program offers a
unique opportunity for outstanding, mid-career U.S. health policy researchers
and practitioners to spend up to 10 months in Australia conducting original
research and working with leading Australian health policy experts on issues
relevant to both countries.
The Australian Department of Health and Ageing hopes to enrich
health policy thinking as Packer Policy Fellows study how Australia
approaches health policy issues, share lessons learned from the
United States, and develop an international perspective and network
of contacts to facilitate policy exchange and collaboration that
extends beyond the fellowship experience.
In order to apply, applicants must submit a formal application,
including a project proposal that falls within an area of mutual
policy interest to Australia and the United States, such as:
health care quality and safety, the private/public mix of insurance
and providers, the fiscal sustainability of health systems, the
health care workforce, and investment in preventive care strategies.
Packer Policy Fellowships are open to accomplished, mid-career
health policy researchers and practitioners, including, academics,
physicians, decision-makers in managed care and other private
health care organizations, federal and state health officials,
and journalists. Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
The Fellowships provide up to $50,000 (AUS) for six to 10 months
in Australia.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the 2005-06 fellowships
is August 16, 2004.
For information on the 2005-06 Packer Policy Fellowships and
to obtain a brochure and application, please see the Fund's Web
site. For further information, contact Robin Osborn, The Commonwealth
Fund, One East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021-2692 (telephone:
(212) 606-3809 or e-mail:
ro@cmwf.org).
American Arts Therapy
Association Donation to the Administration on Aging (05/25/04)
Donna Betts, Board of Directors, American Art Therapy Association (AATA); Edwin
Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging; Megan Robb, Federal Liaison,
Government Affairs Commity, AATA; Irene Rosner David, Ph.D., Chair, Governmental
Affairs Commity, AATA
The American Arts Therapy Association has donated two pictures
to be part of the permanent collection of the Administration
on Aging. Both pictures were chosen as part of an exhibit, "Creative
Aging: Beyond Words," featuring artworks by older adults
in art therapy programs from across the United States. Paintings
from the exhibit were on view at the Administration on Aging,
the Department of Health and Human Services and at the Russell
Senate Office Building.
"Contemplation" 2003 by Suzanne Villucci
Suzanne Villucci is a 90 year old woman, who was born in 1914 in Bresleu, Germany.
During the 1960's, she married an American and moved to the United States.
Though Suzanne is legally blind in her right eye and has low vision in her
left eye, she continues to produce one watercolor a month. Suzanne feels
that the art is part of the essence of whom she is. "I must paint, it
is who I am and what I do," stated Villucci.
The artwork was submitted by Michele Tarsitano-Amato, MA, ATR-BC,
the Director of Creative Arts Therapy with Kendal at Oberlin
Continuing Care Retirement Community.
"Fall Reflections" by Helen Lenetsky
Helen Lenetsky is an 87 year old woman residing in the Bristal Assisted Living
Community in New York. "Fall Reflections," depicts a row of autumnal
trees reflected onto a pool of water. Tickled about becoming an artist in her
80's, the title is key to the artist's sense of self. "In the fall of
my years I am getting better and better."
See: The
Fruits of Art Therapy - Newsday.com
The artwork was submitted by Arlene Susan Esgar, ATR-BC, Art Therapist at the
Bristal Assisted Living at North Woodmere, New York.
More Infromation:
http://www.arttherapy.org/members/gac/art_exhibit_2004.htm
NASUA Membership Meeting: Celebrating
the Successes – Facing the Challenges – Charting
the Future
Assistant Secretary Carbonell congratulates
2004 Distinguished Arthur S. Flemming Honored Lecturer, Dr. Dorothy
I. Height and addresses the theme for this year’s NASUA
Membership Meeting: Celebrating the Successes – Facing
the Challenges – Charting the Future. For the past 40 years,
the Aging Network has been at the forefront of building consumer-responsive
service systems at the state and local level. In partnership
with older Americans and their families, we have built the foundation
of this nation’s formal system of home and community based
services. 40 years ago when the Older Americans Act was passed,
older Americans lived in a world very different from that of
today.
Older Americans to Start saving on their
prescriptions (06/01/04)
The Medicare discount-card program is part of the Medicare Prescription Drug
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 passed late last year. The cards
are an interim measure until Medicare's full-fledged drug benefit begins in
2006.
All Medicare beneficiaries, except those who have outpatient
drug coverage through Medicaid, are eligible to enroll in a Medicare-approved
drug discount card program. Low-income Medicare beneficiaries
may qualify for a $1,200 credit over the 18-month life of the
discount card program to help pay for the prescription drugs
if their income in 2004 is no more than $12,569 if single or
no more than $16,862 if married. There is no enrollment fee on
any card for people who qualify for the credit.
To learn more about the drug discount program under the 2003
Medicare Modernization Act, go to: www.medicare.gov or
call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227).
HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount
Cards (06/01/04)
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today urged people with Medicare
to take advantage of real savings on their prescription medicines
by signing up for Medicare-approved drug discount cards. The
cards offer savings of 10 to 25 percent or more for beneficiaries
who do not have good drug coverage now, and low-income beneficiaries
also qualify for discounts and a $1,200 credit over the next
18 months to help pay for prescriptions. 
MAY
A Tribute to Members of the World War II Generation
The National World War II Memorial will be formally dedicated by President
George W. Bush on May 29, 2004 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
The World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated
to all who served during the Second World War, and it honors
all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front,
the nation at large, and the high moral purpose that motivated
the nation's call to arms.
We appreciate, more than ever, the brave Americans who came
to the defense of freedom on foreign soil, and who now inspire
a new generation of freedom’s defenders. On the closing
of Older Americans Month, we at the Administration on Aging,
salute our Nation’s veterans, and the men and women who
presently serve in our Armed Forces.
Related Information:
 The
World War II Memorial (Off Site)
Search
the WWII Registry (Off Site)
America
Celebrates the Greatest Generation (Off Site)
Full
Coverage - Washington Post (Off Site)
 Photo
Gallery - Washington Post (Off Site)
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May 2004)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 13.1 million is the estimated number of
U.S. residents who say they are Asian or Asian in combination with one or more
other races. Since Census 2000, the number of people who are part of this group
has increased 9 percent, the highest growth rate of any race group. This group
comprises 5 percent of the total population. Persons aged 60 or older in this
ethnic group represent 2.9% of the elderly population in the U.S.
Hispanic Communities Across the
United States to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Dear Friends,
As we join today with Hispanic communities across the United
States to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it is fitting that we renew
our commitment to helping families and neighbors to achieve good
health. May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme
is “Aging Well: Living Well.” An important part of
aging well and living well is management of chronic conditions,
like diabetes. However, more than two-thirds of Hispanic older
adults with chronic conditions do not have prescription coverage
to help them manage diseases like diabetes. This Cinco de Mayo
that is changing with new prescription benefits to help Medicare
recipients.
Starting this month, those who receive Medicare and do not receive
prescription coverage through Medicaid can sign-up for a Medicare-approved
prescription discount card. The new cards will save you 10 to
25 percent on the cost of most of your medicines. You may also
qualify for an additional $1,200 over the next eighteen months
to help you purchase your medicines if your income in 2004 is
no more than $12,569 if you are single or no more than $16,862
if you are married.
To receive these benefits, select and sign-up for one of the
Medicare-approved prescription discount cards available to you.
Help in comparing cards is a free phone call away at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Information
specialists are available who speak Spanish and English. By
providing information on where you live, your annual income,
and what medicines you take, the 1-800-MEDICARE information
specialist can send you a personalized comparison of Medicare-approved
prescription discount cards available to you. If you prefer,
you can also get this information on the web at:
This is only a first step in new benefits to help Hispanic older
adults age well and live well. Next year, additional preventive
care benefits will be available to those who receive Medicare.
One such benefit will be a free screening for those at risk for
diabetes to help diagnose diabetes early and get the proper care
to control diabetes and live a healthy life. Also, in 2006 new
and more comprehensive help will be available to help Medicare
recipients purchase their medicines.
For more information about healthy aging and safe medicine use
visit the Administration on Aging at:
Sincerely,
Josefina G. Carbonell
Assistant Secretary for Aging
Administration on Aging
Lester M. Crawford, DVM, PhD
Acting Commissioner President and CEO
Food and Drug Administration
Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
APRIL
HHS Awards Additional $9 Million
To Help States Develop Aging And Disability Resource Centers
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced 12 grants totaling nearly $9 million
to support state efforts to create “one stop” centers to help consumers
learn about and access long-term supports ranging from in-home services to
nursing facility care.
Note:Deputy Secretary Claude A. Allen announced
the Aging and Disability Resource Center grants on behalf of the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy G. Thompson at the
joint conference of the American Society on Aging and National
Council on Aging meeting in San Francisco, CA.
White House Conference on Aging Executive
Director Named
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the appointment of
Ann Y. McGee as the Executive Director of the 2005 White House
Conference on Aging. As Executive Director, Dr. McGee will oversee
the planning of the Conference, which makes policy recommendations
to the President and Congress to assist the public and private
sectors in promoting the dignity, health, independence, and economic
security of current and future generations of older persons.
The President announces the White House Conference on
Aging Policy Committee
President Bush appointed nine members of the White House Conference
on Aging Policy Committee. The Committee is comprised of 17 members,
nine are appointed by the President, including the chairman of
the committee and the Republican and Democratic leadership of
the Congress appoints eight members.
Funding Opportunity to Protect Environmental Health
of Older Adults
On April 16, 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency announced
a new funding opportunity for training, innovation, outreach
and educational projects to protect the environmental health
of older adults. Eligible applicants include State, local and
tribal governments including environmental, health and aging
departments, and academic institutions and non-profit organizations.
A total of approximately $200,000 is available to fund eight
to 15 projects. The pre-application deadline for this funding
opportunity is Monday, June 28, 2004. For complete information
about this new opportunity to help protect the environmental
health of America's aging population, visit
Second Annual Steps to a HealthierUS Summit
Plan to attend the 2nd National Steps to a HealthierUS Summit in Baltimore,
Maryland April 29 – 30. Take an important step toward a healthier tomorrow!
Join Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, special guests,
educators, business and community leaders, and policymakers for an in-depth
look at our nation’s health. Find out what communities across the country
are doing to tackle obesity, diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart disease, and stroke
and learn about programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition,
promote preventive screenings, and encourage healthy choices. Explore the exhibits.
Interact at the technology showcase. Network with colleagues. Make a difference
in your community.
For more information and to register for this event, please click on the link
below:
FDA Proposes Action Plan to Confront Nation's Obesity
Problem
Since the late 1980s, adult obesity has steadily increased in
this country. About 64 percent of Americans are overweight and
more than 30 percent are obese. To help tackle the "nation's
obesity epidemic," the Food and Drug Administration released
the final report of its Obesity Working Group on March 12, 2004.
The group's long- and short-term proposals are based on the scientific
fact that weight control is mainly a function of caloric balance.
That is, calories in must equal calories out. So FDA is focusing
on "calories count" as the basis of its actions and
the message of its obesity campaign.
Recommended actions include:
- enhancing the food label to display calorie count more prominently
and to use meaningful serving sizes;
- initiating a consumer education campaign focusing on the "Calories
Count" message;
- encouraging restaurants to provide nutrition information
to consumers;
- stepping up enforcement actions concerning accuracy of food
labels;
- revising FDA guidance for developing drugs to treat obesity;
and
- working cooperatively with other government agencies, non-profits,
industry, and academia on obesity research.
The full report from the FDA's obesity working group is available
at:
More information about HHS' new anti-obesity campaign and NIH's
obesity research agenda is available at:
12 Additional States Receive Aging and
Disability Resource Center Grants
On April 16 HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced 12 grants
totaling nearly $9 million to support state efforts to create “one-stop” centers
to streamline access to long-term care. These new grants represent
the second round of funding of Aging and Disability Resource
Center Programs based on applications submitted in response to
a FY 2003 Program Announcement. This joint Administration on
Aging and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Initiative
has now funded twenty-four states to integrate their long-term
support resources for consumers into a single coordinated system.
The recently announced grants are being awarded to state/territorial
agencies in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands,
and Wisconsin. For more information visit: http://www.aoa.gov/press/pr/2004/04_Apr/aoa-cms0416041.pdf
Older Americans Month Materials Now Online
Older Americans Month materials are now available on the AoA
website. The materials, including a poster, logo, sample proclamation,
and fact sheets are designed to assist you in promoting Older
Americans Month. A copy of the Older Americans Month kit, including
poster and CD, will be mailed shortly. Please look for materials
and information at:
Vision Loss from Eye Diseases Will Increase
as Americans Age
With the aging of the population, the number of Americans with
major eye diseases is increasing, and vision loss is becoming
a major public health problem. By the year 2020, the number of
people who are blind or have low vision is projected to increase
substantially. These findings appear in the April issue of Archives
of Ophthalmology. Blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million
Americans age 40 and over, or one in 28, according to study authors.
This figure is projected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020.
The study reports that low vision and blindness increase significantly
with age, particularly in people over age 65. People 80 years
of age and older currently make up eight percent of the population,
but account for 69 percent of blindness. The study provides the
most robust and up-to-date estimates available about the burden
of visual impairment. It was sponsored by the National Eye Institute,
part of the Federal government’s National Institutes of
Health. For more information, go to:
Study Identifies Predictors of Alzheimer’s
Disease Longevity
Among the first questions asked after someone is diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease is: “What can we expect?” It’s
a tough question that has been difficult to answer. A new study
suggests that assessing several key clinical aspects of the disease
soon after diagnosis could help families and physicians better
predict long-term survival in individuals with Alzheimer’s
Disease. These insights also could help public health officials
refine cost projections and plan services for the growing number
of older Americans at risk for the disease. The study, funded
by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes
of Health, appeared in the April 6, 2004 issue of the journal
Annals of Internal Medicine.
Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Grants and Cooperative
Agreements
Proposals are now being accepted for the Competitive Grants
and Cooperative Agreements Program through the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service’s Food
Assistance and Nutrition Research Program. The three priority
research areas for 2004 are (1) strengthening economic incentives
in food assistance programs, (2) food assistance as a safety
net, and (3) obesity, diet quality, and health outcomes. The
publication, Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program,
Fiscal 2004, Competitive Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program:
Description and Application Process, describes the research areas
and application requirements. The deadline for proposals is May
24, 2004. For more information go:
Study Shows Older Americans Need More
Public Transportation Options
A new national study shows that more than half of all non-drivers
age 65 and over stay at home on a given day, many because of
limited transportation options. This trend is particularly troublesome
as the baby boom generation of Americans grows older. “Aging
Americans: Stranded Without Options,” released on April
14 by the Surface Transportation Policy Project, in Washington
D.C., in collaboration with AARP and the American Public Transportation
Association, concludes that as Americans grow older, our existing
transportation network is unable to meet the needs of the nation’s
aging population particularly as they become less willing and
able to drive. “Aging Americans: Stranded Without Options,” is
a report based on new analysis of the National Household Transportation
Survey of 2001 by STPP, including information from previous research.
To view a full copy of the study, visit:
World Health Day 2004: road safety
World Health Day is celebrated on April 7th each year.
This year’s theme, Road Safety, focuses on pedestrian
safety, occupant protection, impaired driving, and helmet use.
On this day around the globe, hundreds of organizations will
host events to help raise awareness about road traffic injuries,
their grave consequences and enormous costs to society. They
will also contribute to spreading the word that such injuries
can be prevented.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will engage
in a number of domestic and international activities for World
Health Day, and is encouraging local communities also to get
involved. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Injury
Center 's World Health Day 2004 Web site includes materials that
comprise the Information Kit, Family Road Safety: Protect the
Ones You Love. For information about the CDC materials go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/whd2004 (Off
Site). The World Health Organization link for World Health Day
is http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2004/en/.
(Off Site)
- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's message on World Health
Day - Press
release (Off Site)
- Audio Visual Gallery on Road
Safety (Off Site)
For more news please visit the AoA
eNews Section, April
MARCH
The Twenty-Ninth Annual Parklawn Classic
The Twenty-Ninth Annual Parklawn Classic is scheduled for Friday,
April 23, and is again a joint effort of the Parklawn Operating
Divisions. I am proud to endorse the Classic, I welcome its recognition
as a Department-wide health promotion event, and I intend personally
to participate in the festivities. We will be supporting the
President's HealthierUS and the Department's Steps to a HealthierUS
initiatives. These initiatives encourage regular physical activity,
sound nutrition, preventive screenings, and avoidance of risky
behaviors to promote a healthier nation. We will also be encouraging
employees to participate in the President's Challenge Program.
As in past years, the Classic will be held at the Parklawn complex
in Rockville, Maryland. Included are a 5-mile run and a 2.5-mile
health walk, both beginning at 11:00 AM. Feel free to access
the Classic web site at http://www.classic.dhhs.gov,
or to call the Classic hotline on (301) 443-5350 (or on TDD:
301-443-0530), for complete information on the events, including
how and where to register.
I encourage everybody to take part by walking, running, cheering
on the participants, or volunteering to help the organizers.
I can think of few better opportunities to begin or continue
a personal health and fitness program. Of course, you need to
check with your supervisor, to make sure you can be spared from
your regular duties.
- Tommy G. Thompson
GAO Affirms HHS Efforts to Educate Seniors about New
Medicare Benefits
We are encouraged that the General Accounting Office (GAO) has
affirmed our efforts to educate seniors about the new benefits
being offered in Medicare, including help paying for prescription
drugs.
GAO confirmed that the law mandates us to educate seniors and
that our ads are not political. The GAO report makes clear our
responsibility to inform seniors. We feel a great responsibility
to make sure seniors understand the new benefits and how they
might help them.
Our current education effort gives Medicare beneficiaries an
outline of the new benefits being offered and encourages them
to call 1-800-Medicare for more information. We want seniors
to turn to this help-line to get straight answers to their questions.
Clearly, our education campaign is meeting a desire for more
information by seniors and is having a positive impact in informing
beneficiaries.
Our call volume to 1-800-Medicare between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28
is up nearly 70 percent from the same time period as last year.
And since the ads began running, four of the top five topics
callers are seeking information about prescription drug benefits.
That compares to just one in five before the ads ran.
We are going to remain aggressive in our education efforts for
seniors. In the coming months, our education campaign will focus
on the discount drug card being made available this spring. This
will include informing low-income seniors about Medicare-approved
cards that provide a $600 credit to pay for their medicines.
And it will include helping seniors compare the various discount
cards offered by the private sector so they can make a choice
that's right for them.
We're going to keep providing seniors with fact-based information
on the new benefits under Medicare and give them straight answers
to their questions.
- Tommy G. Thompson
FEBRUARY
2004 Directory
of Accessible Building Products Released At International Builders’ Show
 To
assist the home building industry in meeting
the housing needs of older adults, the National Center for Seniors’ Housing
Research (NCSHR) released the fourteenth edition of the Directory
of Accessible Building Products at the International Builders’ Show
(IBS) in Las Vegas. Featuring over 250 product photos and illustrations,
the Directory provides the industry with a one-stop resource
for addressing enhanced accessibility in residences.
The Directory contains useful information about specific products,
with a focus on kitchens and bathrooms including appliances,
fixtures, windows, and doors. It also contains information on
climate control products, ramps, stair lifts, and elevators.
This year, a new section of the Directory focuses on easy care
products for exterior use.
The Directory also includes a detailed description and photos
of the NCSHR’s LifeWise Home, which serves as a demonstration
home that can support residents throughout their life cycle by
incorporating universal design features.The Directory also lists
other NCSHR activities and resources, including the Seniors’ Housing
E-Review, Smart Ideas Checklist, and roundtable reports on various
seniors’ housing issues. Michael Luzier, president of the
NAHB Research Center, said, “The Directory of Accessible
Building Products serves as an invaluable resource for developing
and implementing practical solutions that address the needs of
America’s aging population.”
To order a copy of the Directory of Accessible
Building Products call 800-638-8556 or visit http://www.nahbrc.org/.
Printed copies of the Directory are free of charge,
except for shipping fees. Manufacturers of accessible products
who are interested in listing in the 2005 Directory should contact
Mallika Kishen at 800-638-8556, ext. 6234 or mkishen@nahbrc.org
3rd Anniversary of the President's New
Freedom Initiative
Come celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of the President's New Freedom
Initiative at the “We Are…We Can… We Will…” Emerging
Workforce Conference on February 8-10 in Weston, Florida. This
national Conference will provide a unique opportunity for business,
people with disabilities, families, service providers, and federal
policy makers to impact employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
In an effort to draw attention to this untapped labor pool that
is 54 million people strong, a personal invitation has been extended
to President George W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush. Additionally,
the conference will bring together the National Council on Disability,
the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work and Work Incentive
Advisory Panel, and representatives from the President's Committee
for People with Intellectual Disabilities, the Access Board and
the President's Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind
or Severely Disabled, and many additional federal, state, and
international partners. For more information visit:
(Off
Site)
Road to Better Health Care – Medicare
and Beyond
The Assistant Secretary for Aging will join speakers from AARP,
the National Governor’s Association, and the White House
at the “Road to Better Health Care – Medicare and
Beyond” national health care conference in Boise, Idaho
on February 17. U.S. Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the U.S.
Senate Special Committee on Aging is hosting this national conference.
For more information and to register go to:
(Off
Site)
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and
Information Day
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information
Day. Now in its fourth year, NBHAAD began in 2001 to increase
awareness among African Americans about the threat HIV/AIDS poses
to their communities. HHS has updated the Federal HIV/AIDS Awareness
Days Web site to support this effort to encourage African Americans
to get tested, to learn the facts, and to make a commitment to
fight HIV/AIDS,. The Web site offers specific information for
African Americans that can help individuals and communities with
their outreach efforts and public awareness campaigns at large.
The site has information on HIV/AIDS research and testing, and
easy-to-use media tools, such as PSAs, fact sheets, and posters.
For more information go to:
(Off
Site)
JANUARY
Medicare Town Hall Meeting in Zephyrhills,
FL
Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging (ASA) in the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, participated with U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite
and Tim Trysla, CMS, in two town hall meetings in Pasco and Lake Counties,
FL on January 26th.
The purpose of the meetings was to help area residents learn more about current
Medicare issues and about the program’s new reform measure, the Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003.
Related Information:
In Memory of Carol Fraser Fisk (2004)
 The
Administration on Aging mourns the loss of former Commissioner
on Aging, Carol Fraser Fisk. Mrs. Fisk was the Commissioner on
Aging for the Administration on Aging from 1984-1989 under the
Reagan Administration.
Prior to her position with AoA, Mrs. Fisk was the assistant
to the Assistant Secretary in the Office of Human Development
Services in HHS. Additionally, she spent several years as a regional
planner focusing on the needs of older persons and as an Area
Agency on Aging director.
While with AoA, her vision focused on a long-term plan for the
growing population of older Americans. She developed and widely
promulgated a 10-point community checklist, which stressed the
need for coordination and collaboration at the community level.
Recognizing the need to give greater support to State and Area
Agencies, the Commissioner established eleven Resource Centers
on Aging. Six Resource Centers were related to different aspects
of Long Term Care, while other resource centers focused on areas
such as health promotion, rural, and minority populations.
We honor Carol Fraser Fisk’s memory and the dedication
she had to not only the Administration on Aging and the Aging
Network, but for all older Americans.
Opportunity for states to expand the availability of
consumer directed options in their long-term care programs.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced an exciting opportunity
for states to expand the availability of consumer directed options
in their long-term care programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,
in partnership with the Administration on Aging, the Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services, is making available $2.8 million in grants to states
to replicate the successful Cash & Counseling model of consumer
directed personal assistance services under an expansion of the
Cash & Counseling program.
2004
Older Americans Month National Photography Contest - Aging
Well, Living Well
The Administration on Aging, working in partnership
with the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), a program
of the National Council on Aging, is pleased to introduce the
2004 Older Americans Month National Photography Contest.
The purpose of the contest is to enhance the image of older persons to all
generations through pictures. The photographs should reflect the photographer’s
interpretation of the 2004 Older American’s Month Theme: Aging Well,
Living Well.
- Online
Form (PDF)
(Complete online, print and mail in to AoA)
- Printable
Form (PDF)
(Print first, fill in and then mail in to AoA)
States to Expand the Availability of Consumer Directed
Options in Their Long-Term Care Programs
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced an exciting opportunity for states
to expand the availability of consumer directed options in their long-term
care programs. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the
Administration on Aging, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation,
and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is making available $2.8
million in grants to states to replicate the successful Cash & Counseling
model of consumer directed personal assistance services under an expansion
of the Cash & Counseling program.
Related Information:
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Dept. of Health & Human Services
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