A massive $1.9 trillion relief bill championed by the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats is expected to be approved by the House today, likely with few to no Republican votes. The package includes significant funds for Older Americans Act, a one-year boost to federal contributions to Medicaid HCBS waivers and billions in relief for state and local governments.

Learn how this Massachusetts AAA developed a smartphone app used by 700 volunteer drivers to record visible change in health and safety status while delivering meals; improve communication between care teams; and provide timely intervention for homebound older adult meal recipients.

We know n4a members are increasingly involved in vaccine roll-out efforts in their communities, counties and states—and we are advocating furiously for additional resources and support for the key roles community-based organizations and their providers can play in this national challenge (see our recent advocacy letters). To support your work educating the older adults, family caregivers or direct care workers you serve in the community, new materials from the CDC may help.

n4a is delighted to welcome four new staff members to our growing team! Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Monica Billger, Connor Kelly, Traci Wilson and Darya Rahbar as they begin their journey at n4a and continue to build the capacity of our members so that they can better help older adults live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

Interested in providing more opportunities for engagement in your community? Check out the Region IV AAA in southwest Michigan’s Campus for Creative Aging program, which was developed to help older adults in southwest Michigan be creative, embrace new experiences and prevent social isolation.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), which n4a operates in partnership with Easterseals, annually publishes a Trends Report to review current hot topics in transportation. This year’s report includes information briefs on the following topics: Filling a Need: Hiring People with Disabilities in Transit; Travel Training for Older Adults; Procuring Demand Response Transit Technology; Scooter Policies and Accessibility within Shared Pedestrian Space; Mental Health and Transportation; and Workforce Development in Transportation Occupations.

Encouraging individuals to adopt dementia-friendly behaviors is no small task. And this is why Dementia Friends USA exists—as part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Is your organization interested in playing a larger role in Dementia Friends? Read on to learn more.

Earlier this month, the president released a budget request to Congress that would make significant cuts to discretionary and mandatory programs supporting older adults. While most OAA programs were spared cuts, a few were hit hard and a budget that rolls back vital block grant programs and Medicaid and other safety net programs would have serious consequences for older adults and caregivers.