The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) announced last week that the Healthy Aging Grant Awards have been issued to Ohio’s county commissions. Funded through HB45, these funds are dedicated to delivering crucial services and support that enable at-risk aging Ohioans to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Use of these funds are at the discretion of each county, but must fall into certain categories that address social determinants of health for home-based older adults. Specifically, each county must spend at least 20% on housing services, 20% for food assistance, and 10% on internet access and literacy from their awarded funds. The remaining half will follow the guidelines from Governor DeWine’s Ohio’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging.
LeadingAge Ohio played a leading role in a coalition to advance the Healthy Aging grants during the budget, which included coordinating aging, business and local government stakeholders to bolster support for the Healthy Aging grants. While these grants are not available for providers or aging service organizations to directly apply for, LeadingAge Ohio urges members to contact their local county commissioners office to advocate for how the funds can be spent to best support older Ohioans.
Please see this press release with additional information on the Health Aging Program. Questions or guidance on reaching out to county commission's offices can be directed to Workforce Director, Randi Hamill, at rhamill@leadingageohio.org.