June 21, 2020, Washington, DC — Statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including nursing homes.

“Last night, the President of the United States said he directed that desperately needed COVID-19 testing be slowed down.

As millions of older Americans face a grave threat from the pandemic, the statement is a disturbingly plausible explanation for why the Administration has failed over the last four months to deliver the testing that is needed to identify who may be spreading this deadly virus.

There is simply no replacement for regular testing when it comes to managing the COVID-19 in nursing homes and other aging services settings. It is shocking to hear that, despite this clear need, the Administration would willingly walk away from the most vulnerable citizens on the front line of the worst pandemic in a century.

Last week the Vice President said the Administration’s response to the virus was a “cause for celebration.” Yesterday’s statement underscored the truth: it is a cause for shame.”

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