The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is giving $955 million in grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities as communities begin measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Oklahoma is receiving grants totaling $12,945,861.

The grants will fund home-delivered meals, care services in the home, respite care and other support to families and caregivers, information about and referral to supports, and more.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by President Trump on March 27. Through these programs, a network of community-based organizations, such as Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, senior centers, faith-based organizations, and other non-profits provide a vast array of resources and services to help older adults and people with disabilities stay healthy and live independently in their communities across the United States.

“This nearly $1 billion in new funds will help communities support older adults and people of all ages with disabilities in staying healthy, safe, and independent during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.

The CARES Act funding to Oklahoma includes:

• $2,261,399 for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which will help greater numbers of older adults shelter in place to minimize their exposure to COVID-19. These include personal care assistance, help with household chores and grocery shopping, transportation to essential services (such as grocery stores, banks, or doctors) when necessary, and case management.
• $5,427,359 for home-delivered meals for older adults. With this funding, states can also expand “drive-through” or “grab-and-go” meals for older adults who typically would participate in meal programs at community centers and other locations that have been closed due to social distancing measures.
• $941,295 for Centers for Independent Living to provide direct and immediate support and services to individuals with disabilities who are experiencing disruptions to their independent, community-based living due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• $2,952,220 for nutrition and related services for Native American Programs distributed to tribal organizations located in the state to help provide meals and supportive services directly to Native American elders.
• $1,137,448 for the National Family Caregiver Support Program to expand a range of services that include counseling, respite care, training, and connecting people to information.
• $226,140 to support State Long-term Care Ombudsman programs in providing consumer advocacy services for residents of long-term care facilities across the country.

Additionally, $50 million for Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) will be divided among and distributed to states and territories by the end of April.