ONTARIO—The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. has secured funding from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC), a program initiated by USAging. This funding will play a vital role in informing individuals about the benefits of vaccination, with a special focus on older adults, people with disabilities, underserved populations, and disadvantaged communities. By supporting vaccine accessibility, public health events, vaccine clinics, community outreach, and education initiatives, the grant aims to protect vulnerable individuals from negative health consequences. As part of the collaborative effort, the Area Agency on Aging, together with other grantees, plans to administer vaccines and provide supportive services to over 2 million older adults and people with disabilities.
Highlighting the importance of vaccinations for older adults, Nicole Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Area Agency on Aging, stated, “Older adults need to prioritize vaccinations, as research shows that as we age, our immune system slows down, chronic conditions become more common, and the body may be less able to fight off infection and more vulnerable to its complications. We are very thankful at the Agency to receive funds that will allow us to help older adults navigate the health system and stay up to date with recommended vaccines, including boosters for enhanced protection.”
USAging’s Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative is financially supported by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. In the Ohio District 5 region, the Area Agency on Aging will take the lead in hosting and sponsoring vaccine clinics while potentially collaborating with community organizations, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and public health departments in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot counties.
Duana Patton, CEO of the Area Agency on Aging, expressed enthusiasm for the grant, saying, “This grant will give us the opportunity to expand our reach into communities and to promote the importance of vaccines. We are proud to be a grantee of the USAging ADVC grant and look forward to partnering with community organizations, public health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, pharmacies, and other medical entities to encourage individuals to receive their vaccinations. Together, we can help reduce illness, hospitalizations, and even death in older adults.”
To keep the public informed about vaccine outreach events and clinics, the Area Agency on Aging will post updates on its Facebook page at aaa5ohio.org. As an incentive for individuals to receive vaccinations at clinics sponsored or hosted by the Area Agency on Aging, gift cards will be provided.