Throughout my career in the aging network, I have witnessed time and again the critical role family caregivers play in helping ensure loved ones remain healthy, involved, and independent. Across this nation, millions of Americans — of all ages — step into the role of caregiver for spouses, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends.

Since 1789, American service members have sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. In the years since, they have served around the world to protect and uphold democracy. Today’s veterans may have served in harm’s way to keep danger far from home, provided humanitarian assistance, supported disaster response — and many have done all three and more.

Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), ACL celebrates the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy.

Every October, we celebrate Residents’ Rights Month to affirm the rights of people living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care (LTC) settings, and to raise awareness about the need for quality care and safety protections in these facilities.

In this Policy Round-Up:

Today, ACL and our partners in the aging services network join communities across the country in observing Ageism Awareness Day. We honor and celebrate many important observances here at ACL, but this one is especially important to me as assistant secretary for aging.

As I start my last week at the Administration for Community Living, I am filled with so many emotions. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished together, and I’m optimistic for ACL’s future. But most of all, I am deeply grateful.

In this Policy Round-Up:

Today is HIV and Aging Awareness Day, an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and advocacy of long-term HIV survivors, many of whom have been fighting for access to treatment and freedom from discrimination since the emergence of the virus in North America forty years ago.