| Sept. 22, 2009 In this Issue ... 1. NCOA Works to Improve Senate Finance Health Reform Bill
2. Time to Stand Up Against Falls
3. Chronic Disease Programs Get a Funding Boost
4. Get a Free Education Program on Diabetes Screening
5. Health Care Reform: New Resources
6. New Blog Post: Empowering Volunteers 1. NCOA Works to Improve Senate Finance Health Reform Bill This week, the Senate Finance Committee is considering amendments and will vote on its health reform plan, offered by Chairman Baucus (D-MT). The amendments NCOA supports would improve assistance for Medicare beneficiaries in greatest need and fund aging network programs to promote independence and choice. Earlier today, Chairman Baucus agreed to incorporate changes NCOA was seeking to improve access to Medicaid home and community-based services and include the Elder Justice Act in the bill. As work progresses, we may send targeted action alerts this week to individuals who have senators on the Senate Finance Committee. If you receive an alert, please take action! 2. Time to Stand Up Against Falls Sept. 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day—and Lynn Beattie, NCOA’s vice president for injury prevention, is calling on Congress to make a commitment to this critical issue. Read what she’s asking for in Roll Call, the premiere publication for lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill. 3. Chronic Disease Programs Get a Funding Boost NCOA is applauding the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for releasing $373 million in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds for community-based chronic disease prevention and wellness initiatives. Find out how you can apply for a grant. 4. Get a Free Education Program on Diabetes Screening If you’re a senior center director, program or wellness director, or other aging services professional who works in or near Northfield, IL, or Orlando, FL, join us next month to get a free health education program on Medicare’s diabetes screening benefit. NCOA and the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project are holding meetings to discuss NCOA’s new “presentation in the box” Diabetes Screening: Medicare Benefits for Better Health.
The Illinois program is set for Oct. 2 at the North Shore Senior Center; registration ends Sept. 28. The Florida program is set for Oct. 23 at the Renaissance Senior Center; registration ends Oct. 16. The program is free, lunch will be provided, and mileage reimbursement will be available. 5. Health Care Reform: New Resources Still confused about health care reform? The Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing last week on the impact of health reform on older Americans. And the Kaiser Family Foundation has updated its interactive side-by-side health reform comparison tool to include the latest proposals, including the House bill. 6. New Blog Post: Empowering Volunteers Are your volunteers empowered to think outside the box? Volunteer leader Suzy Lee says volunteers often don’t feel they have the power to identify and solve challenges. Read her blog to find out how to inspire others through personal leadership and listening. For more news on aging, visit www.ncoa.org. NCOA Week is published by the National Council on Aging for its members. Jean Van Ryzin, editor. James Firman, president and CEO. If you do not wish to continue receiving NCOA Week, please unsubscribe. Your contributions and comments are welcome and should be sent to ncoa.week@ncoa.org. Copyright © 2009. All content is copyrighted and must not be reproduced or distributed to others without the editor's written permission. NCOA, 1901 L St., NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20036, www.ncoa.org. The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit http://www.ncoa.org/. | 
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