HHS’ Administration on Aging
Provides Flood Relief to Minnesota Seniors

The Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Josefina G. Carbonell, announced that Minnesota has received $30,000 to assist in relief efforts as a result of an August 19 flood which deluged the southeast corner of Minnesota with 17 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. 
The funds will provide flood victims with essential community services and assistance, home repair, chore services and continued clean up from the flood so that they can return to their homes.

“This grant to Minnesota’s network of aging organizations will help in providing our seniors with the supportive assistance they need to continue rebuilding their lives,” said Assistant Secretary Carbonell.

On August 23, 2007, President Bush declared a seven-county area, including the counties of Wabash, Steele, Dodge, Olmstead, Winona, Fillmore and Houston, as disaster areas as a result of the flooding.  Many small towns such as Rushford, Houston and Hokah were devastated, and many seniors in these areas were severely impacted when their homes were flooded or completely washed away.

The Administration on Aging continues to work closely with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging to offer needed relief to those communities impacted by the flooding.

Information and resources on a variety of aging-related topics to assist seniors, families, and caregivers can be found on the Administration on Aging Web site at: http://www.aoa.gov

###

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging (AoA), works with a nationwide network of organizations and service providers to develop a comprehensive and cost-effective system of long-term care that helps elderly individuals maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information about the AoA, please contact: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, Washington, D.C. 20201, Phone (202) 401-4541.