Health Dept. to Create a National Resource Center for Gay Elders

 

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced plans to establish the
nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the
country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. 

Experts estimate that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are
age 60 and older. Agencies that provide services to older individuals
may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of
individuals. The new Resource Center for LGBT Elders will provide
information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and
mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level to
assist them in the development and provision of culturally sensitive
supports and services. The LGBT Center will also be available to educate
the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future
long term care needs.

The LBGT Resource Center will help community-based organizations
understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and
assist them in implementing programs for local service providers,
including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for
an older partner with health or other challenges. 

The Administration on Aging will award a single Resource Center grant at
approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds.
Eligible entities will include public-private nonprofit organizations
with experience working on LGBT issues on a national level. The funding
announcement for the Resource Center will be made available on the
following website very soon.
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Grants/Funding/index.aspx

Contact: AoA Press Office
(202) 357-3507