Thursday, June 11, 2009

INFO: Eldercare Workforce Alliance National Call-in Day

On Tuesday, June 23 (between 9 am – 6 pm, ET), APA will join other members of the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA), in a National Call-in Day to send a clear message to Congress: A Strong Eldercare Workforce is Essential to Real Health Reform.

Toward the end of next week, prior to Call-in day, we will send out another message with logistical information, including an 800# (that will connect to a voice-activated system), call-in instructions, and a sample script.

This effort is targeted to Representatives on the House Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Education & Labor committees. We will be urging Congress to include the following measures in health reform:

à Increase the federal match for all long-term care services funded under Medicaid, which will give states incentives to increase these vital services.

à Expand the Geriatrics Health Professions Education and Training Programs under Titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the supply of essential healthcare professionals.

à Extend greater federal minimum wage and overtime protection under the Fair Labor Standards Act to 1,500,000 home care workers.

à Provide loan forgiveness for professional training in geriatric care.

à Support appropriate care coordination services under Medicare and Medicaid.

à Provide training and support for direct-care workers and family caregivers.

We are very excited to be part of this collaborative effort to bring attention to this issue and I hope that you will join us in making our voices heard!

Please click here (www.eldercareworkforce.org) for more information on the Eldercare Workforce Alliance and its legislative priorities. Thank you.

Deborah DiGilio| Director, Office on Aging Public Interest Directorate American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242 Tel: (202) 336-6135 | Fax: (202) 336-6040 email: ddigilio@apa.org | www.apa.org/pi/aging

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