News Archives

This conference took place August 24-27 in Garden Grove, CA. It provided dementia care information for a wide variety of care professionals, including nursing homes administrators, nurses and Alzheimer unit coordinators.

Award recognizes leadership in implementing innovative and creative partnerships between community agencies and caregiving researchers that bridge the gap between science and practice. The partnerships reflect best practices in providing effective caregiver supports to professional, family and volunteer caregivers. Deadline for applications: August 15, 2008. Document is in .pdf format.

Emotion, Behavior and Belonging: New Perspectives on Including Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Differences in Schools and Communities was held August 11-14, 2008 at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

News release from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) about a new report that reveals that adolescent females are twice as likely as adolescent males to suffer a major depressive episode.

Satellite broadcast from the Administration on Aging (AoA) will take place on June 25, 2008 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM EST. Register to watch this broadcast which will provide viewers with information on how caregiving impacts the health and well-being of caregivers. Document is in .pdf format.

Part 1: Assisting Individuals to Prepare for an Emergency will take place on Monday, June 23, 2008 from 3:00 PM EDT - 4:30 PM EDT. Part II: Preparing Your Organization for an Emergency will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 3:00 PM EDT - 4:30 PM EDT.

These events were hosted by the Alzheimer's Association and took place May 12, 2008 in Washington, D.C. and May 31, 2008 in Cleveland, OH.

The 9th annual National Women's Health Week took place May 11-17, 2008. This nationwide initiative, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH), encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.

The program took place May 6, 2008 at the Health and Human Services Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, D.C. and included prominent guests and leading faculty representing clinicians, neuroscientists, patients, patient advocacy groups and representatives from various government agencies. Document is in .pdf format.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched the Mental Health Campaign for Mental Health Recovery to encourage, educate, and inspire people between 18 and 25 to support their friends who are experiencing mental health problems. Visit the Center for Mental Health Services Web site for more information and services.

December 2007 news release from the VA has regarding nearly $4.7 million for caregiver assistance pilot programs to expand and improve health care education and provide needed training and resources for caregivers who assist disabled and aging veterans in their homes.

Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation announces its next international conference entitled: "From Innovations to Practice - The promise and challenge of achieving recovery for all," took place April 14-15, 2008 in Cambridge, MA.

Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization, has announced a series of international events to mark the inaugural celebration of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2008. For more information on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) read this factsheet.

April is National Autism Awareness Month. The Learn the Signs, Act Early campaign is issuing a challenge to help spread the word to people in communities across the country about the importance of monitoring development early in a child's life--the first step toward detecting a developmental delay and helping a child reach his or her full potential.

AARP and the University of Florida Department of Physical Therapy hosted this conference February 20-23, 2008 at the University of Florida in St. Petersburg. The conference focused on approaches to support people as they age in maintaining independence in daily living at home, at work and in the community.

Summary of Medicare benefits, rights and protections and answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare. The entire document may be downloaded in .pdf format.

Report issued on January 15, 2008 by the National Council on Disability (NCD) that examines employment, housing, education, transportation and other federal policies that affect people with disabilities.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requesting public comment on how states could allow Medicaid beneficiaries who need help with activities of daily living to hire, direct, train or fire their own personal care workers. Beneficiaries could even hire qualified family members to perform necessary personal assistance services. The proposed rule may be downloaded by clicking here.

Summarizes equal access requirements for people with disabilities as they relate to disaster care, housing and human services. This guide explains how applicable Federal laws relate to government entities and non-government, private sector and religious organizations. Read the complete guide by clicking here.

The development of a new prosthetic ankle-foot was announced today by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The prosthesis is designed for veterans with lower-leg amputations, and is the first in a new family of artificial limbs. It will replicate natural motion by propelling people forward using tendon-like springs powered by an electric motor. The new prosthesis was developed through the VA-funded Center for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine.

July 16, 2007 news release in which Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson announced plans to begin locating some of the Department's mental health programs closer to places where primary care is provided.

Announced in February, 2001, the New Freedom Initiative is President George W. Bush's plan to tear down barriers to full integration into American life that remain for many of the 54 million Americans with disabilities. This report highlights the accomplishments of the Administration in implementing the President's vision and builds upon the reports issued in May 2002 and May 2004.

August 2007 news release from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced $16.7 million in grants to support HIV/AIDS care and services. The grants are awarded under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which funds care and support services for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals affected by the disease.

The new Warrior Care Support Program in TRICARE's North Region provides wounded service members with one point of contact, making it easier for beneficiaries and their families to access military health care.

Resources to help clinicians, public health professionals, families and communities promote health and preventive services for infants, children and adolescents. Includes useful information on health and developmental screening and community mental health programs for children and families.

March 2006 new release in which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) warns seniors and people with disabilities to be aware of a scheme that asks Medicare beneficiaries for money and checking account information to help them enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.