Gov't Creates Resource for LGBT Elders

By Julie Bolcer

Seniors x390 (Photos.com) | Advocate.com

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that it would create the first national resource center to assist communities across the country in providing services and support for older LGBT individuals.

As many as 1.5 million to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older, and many agencies that serve elders may be unfamiliar with their particular needs, according to the announcement from HHS.

“The new resource center for LGBT elders will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level to assist them in the development and provision of culturally sensitive supports and services,” said the announcement. “The LGBT center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs.”

The national resource center will be funded with a single grant at approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds, said HHS.

Michael Adams, executive director of Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders, issued a statement hailing the announcement.

“This resource center is a truly historic recognition of the needs of LGBT older adults across the country and will make a huge difference in the lives of so many seniors," Adams said. "For too long, programs that serve LGBT older people have been ignored and shut out from most public funding, and there has been no federal funding to help mainstream aging services become educated about and sensitive to the unique needs of LGBT older adults. With this announcement, the Department of Health and Human Services and Obama administration have taken a big step in the right direction to correct that wrong as a matter of both policy and funding."

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Reader Comments

Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: Jim
Date posted: 10/22/2009 3:20:58 PM
Hometown: Musk

Comment:
Great something is being done to address the very real issues that older LGBT folks face each and every day. But a national campaign funded at $250,000?! A national center's ability to deliver anything meaningful that will touch state and local community resources with such under-funded support is next to zilch. Is this initiative about creating real change? Or simply being able to put a check mark in a box?
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: Mark M
Date posted: 10/22/2009 11:43:17 AM
Hometown: Oakland

Comment:
The best way to get senior LGBT people what they need is to give them the same access to benefits that their straight peers had.

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