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1994.03.09 : Grants for Centers for Older Indians, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiians
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               Administration on Aging
Wednesday, March 9, 1994            Contact: Moya Benoit Thompson
                                             202/401-4541


     Fernando M. Torres-Gil, assistant secretary for aging in the
Department of Health and Human Services, today announced that the
Administration on Aging has awarded cooperative agreement grants
totaling approximately $500,000 to the University of Colorado at
Denver ($249,984) and the University of North Dakota at Grand Fork
($249,879) to establish and conduct two National Resource Centers
for Older Indians, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiians.

     The primary focus of both centers is health, long-term care
and related issues.  The center at the University of Colorado will
highlight the mobilization of community resources in providing
culturally competent health care.  The center at the University of
North Dakota will focus on specific health conditions affecting
Native American elders as well as their access to care.  Over 40
percent of Indian elders have one or more chronic health
conditions.

     "In order for us to better serve our older Native Americans,
it is critical that we collect as much information as we can about
their unique cultures, needs and their special health concerns,"
Torres-Gil stated.  "The data collected at these resource centers
will allow our administration to increase its knowledge and
sensitivity to those needs, and will enable us to appreciate and
respond more appropriately to their concerns."

     The Administration on Aging has a specific mission to improve
the quality of life and the delivery of supportive services, 
including nutrition services, to American Indians, Alaskan Natives
and Native Hawaiians through Title VI of the Older Americans Act. 

     The two centers will be focal points for the development and
sharing of technical information and expertise to Indian Tribal
Organizations, Title VI Older Americans Act grantees, Native 
American communities, educational institutions, and professionals
and paraprofessionals in the field.  

     "These centers will facilitate service providers who are
working on a daily basis with Native American elders by providing
badly needed training.  This technical assistance and training are
essential components of a system of community based services,"
Torres-Gil said.

     Spero M. Manson, Ph.D., will serve as the director of the
University of Colorado Resource Center, and Leigh Jeanotte, Ph.D.,
will serve as the director of the University of North Dakota
Resource Center.  Both centers will also function in an advisory
capacity to the Administration on Aging.

     "The Administration on Aging recognizes the many contributions
that Native Americans have made in the development of our nation,"
said Torres-Gil.  "Many Indian tribes have survived because the
tribal elders cherished and kept their heritage alive for
generations.  These resource centers will serve to continue that
legacy."