Buckeye Reporter

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy announced the launch of a new grant program designed to empower Ohioans to thrive as they age.

Administered by ODA, Ohio’s new Healthy Aging Grants program is providing $40 million in support of local aging services focused on helping Ohioans ages 60 and older stay healthy, live longer, and maintain their independence.

“Ohioans want to live well as they grow older. They want to live in their homes, around their family and close friends, while remaining vibrant and active contributors to their communities,” said Governor DeWine. “The local programs strengthened by our new Healthy Aging Grants will make this level of vitality and autonomy possible for more older adults across our state and is key to achieving our vision of making Ohio the best place to age in the nation.”

Healthy Aging Grants are being distributed to counties in every area of the state to bolster critical aging supports, such as food and housing assistance, as well as internet access and digital literacy services.

Because every community in Ohio is unique, Healthy Aging funds are also designed to be flexible – supporting local aging programs making the biggest impact in their area. These grants can be used to promote a number of additional services that align with Ohio’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging, such as nutrition and physical activity, health insurance enrollment, minor home repairs, caregiver support, transportation, and more.

“Healthy Aging will support evidence-based preventive services in the home and community that have been demonstrated to be impactful in allowing Ohioans to age on their own terms, in their preferred environment, and often prevent the need for people to move into institutional care settings,” said Director McElroy. “The Ohio Department of Aging is proud to lead the way on this pioneering effort to help older Ohioans add not only years to their life, but also life to their years.”

Healthy Aging was introduced by Governor DeWine in his executive budget proposal and later officially established through the passage of Amended Substitute House Bill 33, the state operating budget signed by the Governor in July 2023.

A total of 85 Ohio counties are currently participating in the Healthy Aging Grants program. Once applications are approved, each county will receive a base amount of $100,000, with additional funding provided based on the number of county residents ages 60 and older who are not enrolled on Medicaid.

Counties will work with existing and new aging service providers to expand access to services. ODA will provide necessary technical assistance to support the efficient and effective use of grant funding.

“We are ready to make ‘Healthy Aging’ a reality for older Ohioans everywhere,” Director McElroy added. “I thank Governor DeWine for his unwavering commitment to empowering older Ohioans to flourish at all ages. I also am grateful to the members of the General Assembly, Ohio’s County Commissioners, and our ever-growing network of partners, advocates, and stakeholders who have all played an important role in bringing this exciting program to fruition.”

For more information, visit ODA’s Healthy Aging webpage.

Original source can be found here.