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New Biden Administration Lays Out Key Priorities for Immediate COVID Response

In a 23-page plan and list of Executive Orders released yesterday, President Biden and his administration unveiled a roadmap outlining initial priorities to respond to the current health and economic crises. Within the plan are several opportunities for the Aging Network and aging advocates to assume leadership roles to ensure that the needs of high-risk older Americans, people with disabilities and their caregivers are addressed. n4a and our national advocacy organization partners are engaged in ongoing efforts to highlight and promote the importance of involving national, state and local Aging Network stakeholders in an emerging comprehensive response strategy.

Specifically, the administration's plan details actions to mount an effective and comprehensive vaccination campaign with a focus on high-risk and hard-to-reach populations; mitigate spread through efforts to expand the health care workforce and provide clear public health standards; expand emergency relief and exercise the Defense Production Act to bolster testing, tracing and preventative efforts; and protect those most at risk and advance racial and geographic equity in pandemic response efforts.

n4a and our partners recognize and will continue to endorse and encourage the vital role of AAAs and the Aging Network in realizing each of these goals. Initially raised with the Biden Administration in our December 8 memo, we are urging new administration officials and lawmakers to ensure that the network is a key partner in near-future coronavirus response strategies—especially as they target particularly high-risk and socially isolated older adults and caregivers. We are continuing to focus on these advocacy efforts and will soon have additional resources and tools available for Aging Network stakeholders and advocates.

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Contributors

USAging Fact: Learn about your peers’ work—and how it can fit into your agency’s goals! The AIA Awards recognizes successful and innovative programs that USAging members have developed to serve older adults. Get inspiration from our 2023 winners!