Dec 17 2009
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced the availability of $27
million to help older individuals with chronic conditions to improve
their health and reduce their use of costly medical care. These funds
are made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
which has provided up to $650 million to HHS for the Communities
Putting Prevention to Work initiative launched earlier this fall to
promote evidence-based prevention strategies in communities and states
across the country.
“This program is about getting money to communities to help seniors
manage chronic conditions that threaten their ability to remain in their
own homes. Through HHS’ national aging-services network which reaches
into nearly every community in America, we are helping people living
with chronic conditions and others better manage their own health,”
Secretary Sebelius said.
Research has shown that prevention programs can improve the quality of
life for older individuals, including frail seniors with multiple
chronic conditions, and also reduce health care costs. The Recovery Act
funds will put the results of HHS’ research investments into practice at
more than 1,200 community-based sites across the country -- reaching
tens of thousands of older Americans and their families.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been about helping
families in need during challenging economic times,” said Assistant
Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee. “This innovative program will give
at-risk older people and their caregivers the tools they need to make
their own decisions so they can live longer, healthier and more
independent lives.”
This competitive initiative gives every state Aging and Health
Department and U.S. territory the opportunity to implement rigorously
tested Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP), one of the most
prominent being the Stanford University model. The CDSMP is a six-week
peer-led training program that covers topics such as healthy eating,
exercise, managing fatigue and depression, and communicating effectively
with health care professionals. While further research is underway,
rigorous evaluations have suggested that the program improves
participants’ overall health and energy levels and result in savings to
Medicare through fewer hospital stays. CDSMP are specifically designed
to be delivered by non-health professionals in community settings, such
as senior centers, congregate meal programs, faith-based organizations
and senior housing projects.
“Too many seniors do not receive the recommended preventive and primary
care they need,” said Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Howard K. Koh.
“This program will strengthen the health care that our seniors need and
deserve by coordinating and integrating care in the community.”
Eligible entities include all 50 states and U.S. territories. States
will identify the communities and the organizations that will be
involved locally in the delivery of this program. The deadline for
applications is Feb. 12, 2010.
http://www.hhs.gov/
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