News
Congressional Leaders Tackle Pervasive Problem of Isolation and Loneliness
- By: USAging
- On: 10/25/2019 11:25:39
- In: Policy & Advocacy
This week, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives David Trone (D-MD) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Older Americans from Social Isolation Act of 2019 to support the Aging Network in addressing the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness.
n4a supported both bills, which would support screening and health care services for the detection and prevention of social isolation; direct the Assistant Secretary for Aging to focus on social isolation through long-term planning and identify best practices to address social isolation; and allow states to pursue grant funding for projects that address social isolation and loneliness among older individuals. More about these efforts, including n4a CEO Sandy Markwood's statement, are available in a recent press release about the effort. Both Senate and House sponsors aim to pass their bills as part of the 2019 Older Americans Act Reauthorization.