| Aging News
Everyday AoA is helping older people live more comfortably with
its many resources and information. In this section you will find
news on various health topics and information found within the federal
government community.
2004
OCTOBER
Funding Announcement - Senior Grant Program
Friday, October 1, 2004
The Chronic Disease Directors (CDD), with
support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and the Administration on Aging (AOA), and in collaboration with
the and the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA),
today announced the SENIOR (State-Based
Examples of Network Innovation, Opportunity, and Replication) grants program,
which provides funding to implement health promotion and disease prevention
programs for older adults at the state and/or local level.
All state health departments and state units on aging are eligible
to apply for grants to foster programs to address one of four
health promotion topic areas: 1) clinical preventive services;
2) regular physical activity; 3) chronic disease self-management
techniques; or 4) oral health. With a focus on collaboration
between state health departments and units on aging, proposed
programs should be designed to take advantage of the respective
strengths, expertise and outreach of the public health and aging
services networks.
Last year, with support from CDC and AOA, CDD and NASUA funded
14 state-based projects at approximately $14,000 each, including
programs for physical activity promotion, expanding the use of
preventive health care services, and chronic disease self-management.
Approximately $130,000 is available to fund 8 to 10 SENIOR grants
in the areas of clinical preventive services, physical activity,
and self-management, and approximately $50,000 is available to
fund 3-4 awards to address the area of oral health. The average
SENIOR grant is expected to be $14,000, with a range from $12,000
to $16,000. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by
December 20, 2004.
To apply, a letter of intent must be sent electronically to
Jeanne
Alongi, MPH, CDD consultant, at Alongi@ChronicDisease.org by October 20, 2004.
Complete applications must be submitted electronically by November 23, 2004.
More information on the SENIOR grants can be found on the CDD Web site at: www.ChronicDisease.org.
The complete RFA is
available under the "what's new" section of the Chronic Disease
Director's website. Click on "Healthy Aging: Request for Proposals" For More Information
and to Download Application
78
Year Old to Ride his Bike Cross-Country
 W.J. “Bill” Anderson,
78, will ride his bike coast-to-coast from San Diego, California
and head for Jacksonville Beach, Florida to raise awareness and
support for Crossroads Mission in his hometown, Yuma, Arizona.
Bill will ride his bike 3,000 miles and expects to be at the
Atlantic coast by October 17 (only 22 days!).
Bill supports a healthy lifestyle by riding his bike daily and
lifting weights. His diet is important to him and includes lots
of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
AoA promotes healthy aging through its new You
Can! Steps to Healthier Aging campaign. As part of the campaign, AoA encourages
older Americans to take small steps to make wise food choices and increase
their physical activity. Bill is living proof that it’s not too late
for older adults to be physically active and eat a sound diet.
You can follow along with Bill on his trip by linking to the
Crossroads Mission Website at:
SEPTEMBER Week of Acknowledgement
of Native Americans
This past week marked a week of widespread acknowledgement and
celebration of the native peoples of this Nation.
* September 21: We celebrated the opening of the National Museum
of the American Indian. On your next visit to the National Mall,
I urge you to take the opportunity to tour this very special
museum. It stands as a tribute to the cultures, accomplishments,
and hopes of all native peoples of the Americas.
* September 22-24: The Indian Health Service held a health summit
with the theme "Healthier Indian Communities through Partnership
and Prevention." Over 900 participants came together to
dedicate themselves to creating healthier communities.
* September 22: The Senate Indian Affairs Committee and the
House Resources Committee passed the Indian Health Care Improvement
Act. We have worked diligently with the Congress on this measure,
and I am committed to continue working with both the House and
the Senate as they move forward on this critical legislation.
* September 23: President Bush signed an Executive Memorandum
reiterating the commitment of his Administration to tribal consultation
and to working with tribes on a government-to-government basis.
He met with tribal leaders on the same day and reaffirmed his
commitment to tribal sovereignty
and self-determination. (The text of his speech can be read at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040923-2.html.)
In nearly four years as Secretary, I have been privileged to
visit many American Indian and Alaska Native communities and
to talk directly with the people about issues that concern them.
We have accomplished a great deal in partnership with the tribes,
but much remains to be done. As this historic week of recognition
and tribute to native peoples draws to a close, we restate and
continue our commitment to provide quality health care.
Tommy G. Thompson
National
Hispanic Heritage Month
I am pleased that
AoA and the Aging network is responding to the changing demographics
by developing culturally appropriate programs and services responsive
to the diverse needs of older Hispanic American adults and their
families. According to the most recent NAPIS data, 6.1 % of the
Older Americans Act recipients were Hispanic, although Hispanics
currently make up 5.5% of the older population.
More and more Hispanic families are caring for a loved one with
Alzheimer’s Disease. This year, one quarter of grants under
the AoA Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to States
program will specifically target Hispanic families.
Last year, we launched an Evidence-Based Prevention grants program.
Through this program, we are demonstrating how our aging services
provider organizations can effectively deliver low-cost interventions
that have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of disease
and disability. We are giving special attention to Hispanic elders
under this program.
We can still do more. We know that the Hispanic elderly population
is at high risk for chronic diseases that are preventable: heart
disease, cancer, influenza, and diabetes. For example, we know
that immunizations effectively prevent influenza. In 2003, 54.6
percent of Hispanic seniors did not receive a flu shot. Additionally,
only 31% of Hispanic persons aged 65+ had received pneumococcal
vaccination as compared to 60% of non-Hispanic Whites and 33%
of non-Hispanic blacks. We need to improve these numbers. In
early October AoA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
will be working in partnership to get the word out about the
need to improve immunization rates among older Hispanics and
older African-Americans.
Additionally, through grantees such as the Asociacion Nacional
Pro Personas Mayores and a national network of partnerships with
local Aging Network, community and faith-based organizations,
we will assure that AoA’s investments focused on the Hispanic
community will result in linkages that reach the intended target
population of low-income and immigrant Hispanic elders.
Caring for family is an important tradition in the Hispanic
community. 34% of Hispanic Americans aged 45-55 are caring for
their parents. To assist these caregivers, we have strengthened
our information and outreach efforts to Hispanic older persons
and their caregivers by enhancing the ability of the Eldercare
Locator and the Alzheimer’s Call Center to provide information
and assistance in Spanish.
An important part of AoA’s commitment is to help older
Americans age well and live well. I am pleased to say that the
Medicare Modernization Act will provide valuable assistance to
the 2.85 million Hispanics enrolled in Medicare. The new Medicare-approved
prescription drug discount card is only a first step. 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. To select
and sign-up for one of the Medicare-approved prescription discount
cards individuals can call and speak with an information specialist
either in Spanish or English at: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
For more information visit: http://www.medicare.gov (Off Site)
Hispanic older persons represent a rich tapestry of culture
and history. We are proud to honor that tradition, and contribute
to the healthy living of our Hispanic elders.
AUGUST
New Fire Safety Campaign Aims To
Reduce Seniors' High Risk Of Dying In A Home Fire Washington,
D.C.
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) announced today a campaign to raise awareness about
the increased risk of fire death for adults 65 and older, and
to advise those 50 and older of the risks as they plan ahead
and care for older loved ones. The campaign's messages include
safe disposal of cigarettes, cooking with care and cautious use
of heaters. The campaign, sponsored by FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration,
urges Americans to "Prevent Fire. Save Lives."
"People ages 65 and older face a dramatically increased
risk of dying in a home fire," said Michael D. Brown, Under
Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and
Response. "With America's older population larger than ever
and still growing, it's important that we take steps to reduce
this public health problem."
From 1989 to 1998, adults ages 65 and older faced three times
the risk of dying in a home fire compared to the rest of the
U.S. population, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The
risk at ages 65 to 74 is nearly twice, and it increases to nearly
four times for people ages 75 to 84 and to more than five times
for people ages 85 and older. From 1989 to 1998, adults 65 and
older made up 31 percent of the home fire deaths. During the
same decade, 13 percent of home fire deaths were adults between
the ages of 50 and 64, which shows how sharply the risk increases
after adults reach their mid-60s.
"Smoking, heating and cooking are the causes of most of
these fire deaths," said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David
Paulison. "This campaign is about alerting people to the
risk and letting them know how to reduce it."
A Fire Safety Campaign for People 50-Plus materials include
a fire safety fact sheet for people ages 50 and older, print
public service announcements in English and Spanish, bookmarks
in English and Spanish, and a campaign guide for fire service
officials. The fact sheet and campaign fliers are available on
the campaign Web site, www.usfa.fema.gov/50Plus http://www.usfa.fema.gov/50Plus.
A data report on the fire death rates of people ages 50 and older,
consumer-friendly sections around campaign messages and a media
section are also posted on the site. Materials can be requested
via the Web site.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department
is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and
effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following
any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation
activities, trains first responders, administers the National
Flood Insurance Program and operates the U.S. Fire Administration.
Elderly Floridians Receive Help from HHS After
Hurricane Charley
Of the 20 counties in the United States that have the highest
percentage of elderly individuals, nine of those counties were
affected by Hurricane Charley. The Administration on Aging is
providing a $200,000 grant, which is in addition to the $83 million
awarded to Florida in fiscal year 2004 for elderly programs.
These additional funds will be used by state officials to fill
any gaps in providing emergency care for seniors caused by the
hurricane.
AoA is supplying meals and water to seniors who have been affected
by Hurricane Charley. In addition, AoA is sending a liaison to
help federal workers coordinate assistance and services to elderly
individuals.
HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is
working with health centers in neighboring counties to send staff
in to assist health centers in hardest hit areas, especially
to address surge needs of special populations including migrants
and the elderly.
HHS' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is working
closely with the Medicare contractors -- fiscal intermediaries
and carriers -- and managed care plans to ensure that health
care services continue to be provided as needed without any concerns
for payment. Particular attention is being paid to ambulance
providers who need to transport Medicare beneficiaries to safer
facilities and to managed care plans who may need to approve
requests for out of network services.
HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) is making available mental health professionals specifically
trained to assist individuals who have been affected by disasters.
Studies indicate that lingering affects may occur in people and
families long after the physical damage has been fixed.
AoA Announces New Funding Opportunity (08/04/04)
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce the availability of funding to support
innovative approaches to the management of care in the Aging
Services Network. This program will fund existing practices and
new ideas that can promote the integration of health and social
supports for older people, and strengthen the position of the
Network in health and long term care.
As new options for older people are emerging in health and long
term care, managed care is playing an increasingly important
role. AoA is launching this grants program as part of a broader
effort to gain a strategic understanding of how the traditional
strengths of the Aging Services Network can add value to models
of integrated health and long term care, including managed care.
The grants are specifically designed to increase our understanding
of innovations in aging services that involve the use of partnerships
with managed care organizations and capitated financing arrangements
to improve the quality of care for older people.
AoA expects to award up to 20 projects at up to $50,000 each
under this program. Eligible applicants include non-profit community-based
aging services provider organizations that currently receive
funding under the Older Americans Act and Area Agencies on Aging.
Three types of projects will be funded: 1. Promising Practices
that identify and document existing models and approaches that
can be replicated in other communities; 2. Program Enhancements
that build on an existing model or approach; and 3. New Models
and Approaches consistent with the purposes of the program. The
due date for applications is September 10, 2004. A copy of the
full program announcement, including application instructions,
can be found at: www. aoa.gov.
This new program advances AoA’s Strategic Plan and builds
on other initiatives we have launched to support the Network’s
role in creating a more balanced and integrated array of health
and social supports for older people. We believe this new program
holds great promise for demonstrating how the core values and
competencies of the Aging Services Network can be effectively
combined with managed care models and approaches to enhance the
quality of care for our growing older population.
- Josefina Carbonell
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
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AoA does not endorse ANY specific products or services
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