U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
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Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, June 20, 2001 |
Contact: | HCFA Press Office (202) 690-6145 |
These initial $50,000 awards or "starter grants" -- available to all states and territories -- are a part of approximately $70 million in grant opportunities to improve the home and community-integrated services available to children and adults living with a disability or long-term illness. Future "Systems Change Grant" funding may be directed toward improvements in quality assurance mechanisms, long-term service system reform and demonstration projects.
The program supports the Bush Administration's New Freedom Initiative's goals of removing barriers to equality for the 54 million Americans living with disabilities. The grants will assist state efforts to fulfill the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and support the desire of most individuals to live and participate in their communities.
The start-up money will go to states that complete a simple application. No state matching funds are required. The funds will help pay for the development of public-private partnerships, including consumer task forces, in each state to advise on the use of future federal grants that will increase services and supports to people with disabilities.
"These grant funds are intended to bolster the public-private partnerships that are critical to creating enduring changes to long-term services and support systems in the states," Thompson said. "States, consumers, advocates and volunteer groups alike are our key partners in assuring that persons with disabilities have the fullest possible choices about their lives."
Today's announcement involves the second group of states to receive the "starter grants." Secretary Thompson announced the first set of 28 states last month. States receiving grants today are: Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Several other states have submitted applications. Additional awards will be announced at a later date. For more details about the grants go to: cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/realchoice.
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