| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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| September 30, 2008 |
Contact: AoA Press Office
(202) 357-3507 |
HHS’ Administration on Aging Provides
Disaster Relief to Florida Seniors
HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell announced that Florida has received $50,000 to assist in relief efforts
as a result of devastation created by Tropical Storm Fay which generated nearly 30 inches of rain and caused widespread flooding throughout much of Florida from August 17 to August 19, 2008.
The funds will provide thousands of elder flood victims with essential community services, ongoing counseling and case management, replacement of approximately 48,000 shelf stable meals used for emergencies for more than 8,500 seniors, as well as home repair, chore services and continued clean up from the flooding so that they can return to their homes.
“This grant to Florida’s aging network will help in providing our seniors with the supportive assistance they need to continue rebuilding their lives after such destructive flooding,” Assistant Secretary Carbonell said. Tropical Storm Fay progressed across Florida with widespread torrential rainfall. Tornadoes downed trees and power lines. Many homes were damaged due to the flooding, and utility services could not be restored until the damage was repaired.
On August 21, 2008, President Bush issued an emergency declaration for the state of Florida in response to conditions caused by Tropical Storm Fay. To support state and local efforts, the Administration on Aging (AoA) continues to work closely with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to offer ongoing relief to those individuals and communities impacted by the flooding.
Information and resources on a variety of aging-related topics to assist elders, families, and caregivers can be found on the AoA Web site at: http://www.aoa.gov
Information on Emergency Preparedness can be found at
http://www.aoa.gov/prof/preparedness/preparedness.aspx
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