Each year, thousands of lives are lost to suicide across the U.S. And although suicide can affect people of any age, older adults are particularly at risk. Serious illness, chronic pain, mental health conditions such as depression, and social isolation all increase risk of suicide, and all of these conditions are more prevalent among older adults.

With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, ACL has awarded a new 5-year cooperative agreement to Generations United (GU). In partnership with five national organizations and an array of subject matter experts, GU will lead the creation of the first National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies and Kinship Families (NTAC). Total funding for the NTAC over the 5-year project period is $9,950,000.

ACL is announcing a number of new grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs), including:

ACL has awarded a grant to Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) to further expand the "Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SAR-TAC)". As a Project of National Significance, SAR-TAC will receive an award of $400,000 every year from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2026.

National Adult Protective Services Training Center ACL is announcing a new National Adult Protective Services Training Center (NATC) to support APS workers and administrators as they serve clients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NATC will be established through a nearly $1.5 million two-year cooperative agreement with the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). The project is funded through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

On Friday, CDC announced recommendations for boosters of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people who: are 65 and older, live in long-term care settings, are at high risk for severe illness, or work in a high-risk job. Today’s Policy Roundup includes those details, along with the following:

The National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) is pleased to announce the next round of 10 states and territories that will be receiving 100 hours of technical assistance per year for the next two years, starting October 1, 2021: 

Has the COVID-19 pandemic left you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Self-care is essential to weathering these tough times.

ACL Awards Cooperative Agreements to Support Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services (INNU) ACL recently awarded four community research cooperative agreements to verify the effectiveness of innovative Senior Nutrition Program practices and programs created during COVID-19. The research will positively impact senior nutrition participants by helping to transition and sustain congregate meal programs, and delivering impactful nutrition education.

 RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council delivers report; recommendations for improving support to family caregivers