Congressman Deluzio Announces $230,000 Federal Grant to Improve Health & Safety Services for Older Veterans in Western PA

CARNEGIE, PA - Today, Congressman and Navy veteran Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the Veterans Health Foundation is receiving $231,589 in federal grant funding to support the development of a new partnership model for Western Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers.

Western PA is home to a large population of older veterans, and advocates for older veterans are concerned that when threats to their health and safety are reported to a local AAA, weak coordination and collaboration mechanisms with the local VA Medical Center can result in missed opportunities for care. The grant will help address those concerns and also support work with VA Medical Centers in Butler and Pittsburgh to pilot an innovative new program for the VA to better support patients experiencing elder mistreatment. The program is being led by VA Pittsburgh researcher Lena Makaroun, MD.

"Every veteran who served wrote this country a blank check, and in return we have a sacred obligation to get them the best care possible," said Congressman Deluzio. "I'm glad we're finding new ways to better coordinate to improve health and safety for older veterans in our region. My fellow veterans defended the freedoms we enjoy today and earned this care."

"This grant enables the Veterans Health Foundation, in partnership with VA Pittsburgh and Butler, to lead the development of a first-of-its-kind elder mistreatment intervention for older Veterans," said Alanna Caffas, CEO of the Veterans Health Foundation. "Through the THRIVE program, we're building a national model to improve care, safety, and quality of life for nearly 5 million older Veterans-starting right here in Pennsylvania. With congressional support, this project has the potential to transform how VA Medical Centers and local agencies protect and empower aging Veterans across the country."

The funding was provided through the Administration for Community Living and the Administration on Aging, sub-agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as part of their Elder Justice Innovation Grant program.

Congressman Deluzio-a U.S. Navy veteran who deployed to Iraq and at sea, and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy-is a leading voice in support of his fellow veterans. In Congress, he is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, a founding member of the Democratic Veterans Caucus, and has introduced legislationto award a Congressional Gold Medal to WWII Nurses, among many pro-veteran initiatives.

The Trump Administration's efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts are involved in determining whether many of these funding freezes will continue permanently or go on pause. Congressman Deluzio's office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure federal funding keeps flowing to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. Recipients of federal grants with issues accessing lawfully appropriated funds, should reach out to Congressman Deluzio's office at [email protected].

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