During the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has seen a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health conditions. Substance misuse has also increased significantly.

Head Start grantees are eligible to receive American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds based on funded enrollment levels. The ARP also provides many sources of direct and indirect financial relief for low-income families. Head Start programs can help all staff and families access critical supports that they are eligible for.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Secretary has announced it is establishing two new committees to provide advise and recommendations to support and enhance public health preparedness, response, and recovery to meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

ACL's Administration on Disabilities (AoD) seeks to fund one five-year grant to create a national, person-centered, culturally-competent healthcare transition resource center for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

COVID-19 has taken its toll on older adults and people with disabilities in many ways. In addition to increased risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, many also faced the serious threat of being forced to move from their homes into institutions -- or were unable to return to the community from institutions -- as the pandemic outpaced the capacity of our nation’s system of long-term services and supports. 

By Alison Barkoff, Acting ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging COVID-19 has been devastating for people living in congregate settings, with residents experiencing among the highest rates of infection and comprising nearly one-third of deaths. They have been isolated from friends and families throughout the pandemic, and many who wanted to transition to smaller, safer settings in the community have faced barriers due to COVID-19.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last fall, ACL launched a prize competition for innovative business models that increase the overall stability of home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by strengthening the direct support professional (DSP) workforce.

The aging network has risen to meet many challenges during COVID-19. Senior nutrition programs have adapted services, activities, and events to continue safely supporting their communities across the country.

To kick off this year’s celebration of Older Americans Month, yesterday ACL issued grants totaling $1.4B to help older adults recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.