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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2006

Older Americans Act Reauthorized and Expanded
Historic Law Forms Foundation of Ohio's Aging Network

COLUMBUS - Last week, President George W. Bush signed into law the 16th reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). First passed in 1965, the OAA supports nutrition programs, home- and community-based services, caregiver support, long-term care ombudsman and senior employment programs. Reauthorization expands the reach of these programs and ensures services for the nation's aging population into the near future.

"When I led Ohio's Delegation to the White House Conference on Aging last winter, we made reauthorization of the OAA our top priority," said Merle Grace Kearns, Director of the Department of Aging. "We were pleased to find we were not alone; the entire nation recognized the importance of expanding the law to address the changing face of aging."

Under the OAA, the Department of Aging is Ohio's designated state unit on aging and distributes funds for programs to 12 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state. In 2005, Ohio received $46 million in OAA funds, which helped leverage $71 million in state and local funds.

The latest version of the act contains many provisions to enhance federal, state and local coordination of long-term care services provided in home- and community-based settings and support state and community planning for the long-term care needs of the baby boom generation. The OAA also provides greater focus on prevention and treatment of mental disorders, promotes outreach and services to a broader universe of family caregivers under the National Family Caregiver Support Program, increases focus on civic engagement and volunteerism and enhances coordination of programs that protect elders from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

"Ohio would like to thank all the community leaders and advocates who joined us in urging Congress to reauthorize this essential law," added Kearns. "Our collective hard work and dedication have helped secure a brighter future for older Ohioans, their families and communities."

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.