HHS to Create a National Resource Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Elders

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced plans to establish the nation`s
first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their
efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) individuals.

Experts estimate that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60
and older. Agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar
or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals. The new Resource
Center for LGBT Elders will provide information, assistance and resources for
both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and
community level to assist them in the development and provision of culturally
sensitive supports and services. The LGBT Center will also be available to
educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future
long term care needs.

The LGBT Resource Center will help community-based organizations understand the
unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in
implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to
LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with health or other
challenges.

The Administration on Aging will award a single Resource Center grant at
approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds. Eligible
entities will include public-private nonprofit organizations with experience
working on LGBT issues on a national level. The funding announcement for the
Resource Center will be made available on the following website very soon.
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Grants/Funding/index.aspx

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are
available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

AoA Press Office
(202) 357-3507

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