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Sterling, VA -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced the Biden-Harris Administration’s release of $33,990,613 in funding for critical Older Americans Act programs as part of the American Rescue Plan she helped pass.

“Older Virginians have been hit especially hard by the COVID crisis, with the pandemic impacting many seniors’ ability to age with dignity and leaving them alone and isolated from their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “This funding that we’ve delivered through the American Rescue Plan will provide for the health and safety of older Virginians by funding caregiver support, mental health resources, meal delivery and nutrition programs, and more. It’s essential that our seniors are not being left behind as we address the fallout from this pandemic, and that we work to ensure a full and equitable recovery.”

As Older Americans Month begins, this funding focuses on programs to support Virginia seniors, with an emphasis on much-needed pandemic relief, including:

• $18,113,690 for meals for older adults in Virginia;
• $11,109,729 for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) through the Older Americans Act, supporting older Americans to age with dignity and safety in their homes and communities;
• $1,062,670 for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention in Virginia;
• $3,463,008 to help family caregivers support their loved ones; and
• $241,516 to safeguard the health and welfare of residents in Virginia’s long-term care facilities.

In addition to delivering $1.4 billion in funding for Older Americans Act programs, the American Rescue Plan ensured critical investments in the health, safety, and financial security of older Americans. The American Rescue Plan increased funding to vaccinate Virginia seniors, ensure they can afford their homes and utilities, put food on the table, and more. 

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