Advocacy Alert:
SERVICES THAT KEEP YOU INDEPENDENT AND SECURE ARE AT RISK – ACT NOW!
TELL CONGRESS TO PROTECT THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT
The OAA is the backbone of federal aging policy. It provides funding and rules for senior center activities, nutrition programs, health education programs, benefits counseling, caregiver support, job training and placement, elder rights protections, and more. Tell your members of Congress why these things matter to you.
Who's Affected?
Rural Minnesota
In most rural Minnesota communities, one in three people are 65 years old or older.
Arrowhead Region
Over 14,000 people in the 7-County Arrowhead region received OAA services in 2024.
Older Adults
Nationally, one in six older adults are served by OAA dollars.
What's at Risk?
Nutrition Services
Meals served in group settings or delivered to homebound older adults
Elder Rights
Adult Protective Services, Elder abuse prevention, Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Supportive Services
Chore services, groceries to go, legal services, and access to resoures
Caregiver Support & Respite
In-home or group respite, adult day counseling, and training
Health Promation Program
Falls prevention and chronic disease management
Transportation
Rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, or community resources
Splitting OAA Programs
Separating programs across multiple agencies leads to administrative burden and fewer dollars reaching the people the funds were meant to support
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
Provides unbiased Medicare counseling and assistance
Call or email your U.S. Representatives & Senators.
Tell them OAA and other federal program dollars are vital in your rural area—and must remain intact. Feel free to use this script in your calls and emails or use your own message in support of the Older Americans Act. Add personal or professional experience as you are able.
U.S. House of Representatives
Pete Stauber
Phone: 202-225-6211
U.S. Senate
Amy Klobuchar
Phone: 218-741-9690
Other Federal Programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making big changes to how it operates, including cuts to its workforce and the closure of many of its regional offices. Potential cuts to Medicaid could disproportionately affect older adults, weaken healthcare services, strain working families, and undermine public trust. Visit the websites listed below to receive the latest updates and get involved.
Stay Informed & Connected
Join aging advocacy groups, sign up for USAging or AARP newsletters, or connect with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging to stay up-to-date and get involved.
Advocacy Tools
To request advocacy tools, please reach out to the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging at aa******@**dc.org. As things evolve, we will be updating these tools and will provide you with the most up-to-date materials.