October 16, 2020 Washington, DC — Statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, the national association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including nursing homes, whose 5,000-plus members care for millions of older adults nationwide: 

“The only way to keep older adults healthy and safe in this pandemic is through a coordinated federal response. Sadly, this has been lacking for the past 8 months. Looking ahead, aging services providers, especially those who serve vulnerable populations in nursing homes and other congregate settings, will need a clear and easy process for COVID-19 vaccinations.

It’s heartening to see that the Administration’s planning has begun. The vaccine is still months away, so there is time to get this right. Above all, we hope this program will help protect the millions of people most at risk. We look forward to learning more about how it will roll out.

People age 65 and older have died from COVID-19 at shocking rates—over 80% of all deaths are among older adults. LeadingAge has been crying out for the government to provide strategic support since the start of the pandemic. Today’s announcement offers some hope that our cries are being heard.”

We represent more than 5,000 aging-focused organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we address critical issues by blending applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building. We bring together the most inventive minds in our field to support older adults as they age wherever they call home. We make America a better place to grow old. For more information: www.leadingage.org.