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1992.05.06 :  Older Americans Month

Contact:  Sherri Clark (202) 619-3955   
May 6, 1992

        HHS Commissioner on Aging Joyce T. Berry, Ph.D., today
announced that among the many planned activities to commemorate
May as Older Americans Month, the last full week, May 24-30, will
be designated as "Project CARE Week."  The theme for Older
Americans Month is Community Action Begins With You: Help Older
Americans Help Themselves.  
        "Project CARE Week seeks to promote the importance of
community leadership and action in making a positive difference
in the lives of our nation's older persons today and in the
future," said Berry.
        Project CARE (Community Action to Reach the Elderly) is
at the heart of the National Eldercare Campaign launched last
year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to focus
national attention on the increasing older population and promote
the mobilization of resources to respond to the unmet needs of
older persons at risk.  
        Project CARE builds upon the spirit of caring within each
community.  It encourages each community to mobilize the broad
range of resources available to it, and to tap local expertise,
energy and experience to assist vulnerable older persons.  In
each community, coalitions of organizations and individuals
identify and collectively address a problem of primary importance
to older persons at risk.
        The Administration on Aging has funded or arranged for
technical assistance to approximately 250 Project CARE
communities.  Each of these communities has a broad-based
coalition committed to action on behalf of older persons at risk
of losing their independence.  During Project CARE Week, these
community coalitions will be provided an opportunity to recognize
individuals in their communities who have taken an active
leadership role in developing responsive community-based
resources and services to assist the vulnerable elderly.  A
"Project CARE Leadership Award" will be presented to these
individuals to honor them for their achievements.  Community
coalitions will also be encouraged to plan other activities to
highlight the positive results of collective action on behalf of
older persons.  
        "I believe giving recognition to Project CARE communities
fosters empowerment of communities to take action with and for
seniors.  Project CARE Week provides an excellent opportunity to
honor community leaders and to showcase innovative and creative
activities underway on behalf of older persons," said Berry.
        The Administration on Aging, an agency of the Department
of Health and Human Services, serves as a focal point within the
federal government for the needs and concerns of older people.
     
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