Thursday, April 28, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: AoA Press Office
202-401-4541

WASHINGTON, DC - The Administration on Aging (AoA) announced today nearly $30 million in grants to support vital community programs and services for tribal elders and their caregivers to help foster greater independence and healthier lives.

During a meeting at the National Title VI Training and Technical Assistance Forum, AoA Assistant Secretary Josefina G. Carbonell awarded 236 grants to tribal organizations representing 300 tribes of which nearly $24 million will provide nutrition and supportive services to American Indian and Alaska Native elders. Additionally, $6.2 million were awarded to 196 Native American Caregiver Support Grants to support the caregivers of American Indian and Alaska Native elders and elders caring for their grandchildren. These grants represent nearly $100 million over a three-year period.

“The nutrition, transportation and other support services provided through these grants are helping to improve the lives of our most revered citizens,” said Assistant Secretary Carbonell. “This program continues to be a vital component of our prevention and education efforts to reach out to vulnerable communities.”

Annually, AoA funds federally recognized tribal organizations for nutrition and supportive services to more than 100,000 Native American elders. The Native American Caregiver Support Program provides support to the caregivers of elders who are chronically ill or have disabilities with services that include information and assistance, counseling, training and respite.

“An increasing number of American Indian and Alaska Native elders prefer to remain in their homes, communities and on reservations,” added Assistant Secretary Carbonell. “Therefore, our programs will provide them with services such as homemaker services and transportation to the doctor, which will help them maintain their independence, well-being and positive lifestyles while preserving the heritage of Native American culture.”

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The AoA is a Federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning and the delivery of supportive home and community-based services to older persons and their caregivers through the national aging network of state and local agencies on aging, tribal organizations, service providers and volunteers.