OHA distributes $800,000 to local community,
senior centers to help mitigate COVID-19 impacts
All 39 Rhode Island cities and towns receive funding
CRANSTON, RI – Today Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) announced the distribution of $800,000 to support local programs and services for older adults. Throughout the pandemic, community and senior centers across the state have provided critical services to those in need – from food and supplies assistance to transportation services, wellness checks and flu clinics. This special funding will help centers mitigate the operational impacts of COVID-19 and ensure older residents’ continue to have access to the myriad services offered by these facilities.
“The effects of this crisis on older adults have been significant,” said Governor Raimondo. “Since March, our senior centers have been on the frontline, helping people access needed resources and preserve important social connections. I am grateful for their service. As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases, this work is more important than ever. We must remain vigilant and continue to work together to stamp out this virus and support all Rhode Islanders.”
Municipalities will receive funding based on the number of older adults living in their community. OHA will work with communities to ensure centers that serve neighborhoods hard hit by the pandemic receive funding priority. The minimum grant award is $2,000.Funds will be used to help communities enhance services available to older adults and caregivers, invest in supplies, and implement public health guidance. .
"Throughout this pandemic, we’ve worked closely with municipalities to provide information and resources to older adults and their families – especially those who’ve been disproportionately impacted,” said OHA Director Rosamaria Amoros Jones. “Community and senior centers have continued to serve as lifelines for countless residents, delivering vital assistance while adapting their services and spaces to keep people safe. This funding will help these agencies sustain and grow their current services, as we fight the spread of COVID and its many ripple effects on our state.”
For more information on resources available to older Rhode Islanders and/or to find the community/senior center nearest you, visit www.oha.ri.gov or call 401.462.4444.
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