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TAMPA BEACON | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | By: Ann Marie Winter
PUBLISHED APRIL 30, 2025 Seniors rely on critical programs that cannot be left to wither. While the Administration for Community Living (ACL) faces potential dismantling, the Older Americans Act (OAA) - the bedrock of aging services in this community - remains vital. Full funding is not just a bureaucratic necessity; it's a national imperative. If we truly want to Make America Healthy Again, we must prioritize the health and independence of seniors and their caregivers. OAA provides essential services that help older adults remain independent healthy and is much cheaper than nursing home placement. It funds home delivered meals, caregiver support, transportation, legal aid, and protection against elder abuse. Through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and community organizations, these programs reach millions - many of whom have no other safety net. With funding uncertainty, the aging network faces disruption. Yet the need is greater than ever. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65, and by 2030, one in five Americans will be a senior. If we fail to act, we risk leaving millions of older adults without meals, support, and care. President Trump and Congress must ensure full funding for vital services. Let's not turn our backs on the very people who built this nation. In 2024, the Area Agency of Pasco-Pinellas and its partner agencies provided services to 63,000 seniors in Pinellas and Pasco counties. These are your family members, neighbors and friends. They deserve continued support.
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