The Older Americans Act is a vital important piece of Federal legislation that is considered the “crown jewel” of aging policy and which allocates funding for many of the services that diverse elders require to age with health and dignity.

As a coalition that works to address the unique needs of elders of color, American Indian and Alaska Native elders, and LGBT elders, we also know that the constituencies that are the most marginalized require services that meet our communities’ needs in specific ways and that cookie cutter approaches do not work. The DEC has identified specific priorities for Congress to consider as it debates the needs and concerns of all our elders.