TUCSON— This week, the Department of Health and Human Services released $1.4 billion in funding for older Americans that was included in the American Rescue Plan. The funds will support vaccination efforts, programs to address social isolation, nutritional assistance, and family caregiver support. Arizona will receive $31,578,970.

“Older Americans have faced the worst impacts of the pandemic firsthand,” said Rep. Grijalva. “In addition to a higher likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms and higher fatality rates, they faced extreme isolation and food insecurity. This funding will help get older Americans vaccinated, mitigate the effects of social isolation, improve access to nutrition, and empower family caregivers to support their loved ones in the best way possible. An infusion of funds through the Older Americans Act programs has been a priority for myself and other members of the House Education and Labor Committee, and I am grateful to the support it will provide to some of the most vulnerable members of Southern Arizona communities.”

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