(Originally published on the HHS blog.) Even under the best of circumstances, caregiving can be challenging. For many family caregivers, the routine tasks they perform on behalf of their loved ones are more complex because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only must family caregivers take extra…

Kathleen Otte, Senior Regional Administrator, Region 2 The COVID-19 crisis has tested the resilience of social services in many parts of our country. At the same time, it should not be a surprise that across the nation we have come together to support each other and find creative solutions when…

A week ago, a bright light went out.  I was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the death of our dear colleague and friend, Lori Stiegel.  I knew Lori for decades, so long that I cannot recall exactly when we met.  She was such a presence in my life – and in the lives of so…

Louisiana DD Council Chair April Dunn with Gov. John Bel Edwards and his wife, Donna Edwards. Every year during the month of March, we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the many contributions of people with DD and their families to our communities and to our country. This…

Originally published on the HHS Blog. Today, our country affirmed the rights, dignity, independence, and well-being of older adults when President Trump signed HR4334, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 into law. The law reauthorizes critical Older Americans Act (OAA) programs through 2024…

Better outcomes, lower costs through community partnerships. That was the message last week when over 150 leaders from across America gathered in our nation’s capital for the National Summit on Health Care and Social Service Integration. Across the country, 385 additional colleagues joined the…

Winter is upon us. While some may enjoy the colder climates, others may start withdrawing from activities and disconnecting from family and friends. Those who suffer from seasonal depression will face an even harder battle as they withdraw until springtime returns. The decline of outdoor activities…

I recently visited Bay Aging in Urbanna, Virginia, to learn more about their current work and receive an update on their Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. I met with personnel from Bay Aging, veterans enrolled in the VDC program, and staff from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,…

I’ve gotten the fake calls “from the Social Security Administration,” and I bet you have too. I know I don’t need to tell you that the people we serve are getting these calls every day. Scammers are increasingly using phone calls, emails, and even text messages to impersonate government officials…

This morning I attended a memorial service at the National Cathedral in honor of Dorcas Hardy, an influential leader of the Department of Health and Human Services during the 1980s and beyond. Dorcas died last Thanksgiving, and since her passing I’ve often thought about her contributions and…