$15 Million Collaboration on Prevention for Older Americans
HHS:
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced a $15 million collaboration with The Atlantic Philanthropies to improve the health and quality of life for older Americans at the community level.
As the leader of President Bush's HealthierUS Initiative, Secretary Leavitt has identified prevention as a priority issue in order to highlight the importance of preventive care and chronic disease management.
"This collaboration, led by the Administration on Aging (AoA) and involving several HHS agencies, states, and various public and private organizations at the community level, will empower older people to take more control of their own health through life style and behavioral changes that have proven effective in reducing the risk of disease and disability among the elderly," Secretary Leavitt said.
The HHS research has generated a growing body of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that can help older people to improve their health status by better managing their chronic diseases, improving their nutrition and diet, exercising more, and avoiding injuries such as falls.
Building on that knowledge base and subject to the availability of funding, HHS will support efforts over three years in up to 12 states to mobilize public/private collaborations that will support the delivery of evidence-based programs for seniors at the community level.
These programs will be administered at the community level through non-profit aging services provider organizations, such as senior centers, nutrition programs, senior housing projects and faith-based organizations.
We believe this important work will enable our older citizens to live better lives and will reduce health care costs," said John R. Healy, chief executive officer of The Atlantic Philanthropies.
