February 25, 2022 Washington, DC — A statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, the national association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including nursing homes, on today’s CDC COVID-19 levels announcement:

“News from the CDC today that our country has entered a new phase of the pandemic is certainly positive. While a shift toward pre-pandemic life is exciting, we remind America that a return to “normal” is important for older adults living in long-term care, too. These communities are home to millions of residents who deserve parity with the rest of the country. We urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to move quickly in reassessing guidance for long term care settings. Do not leave long-term care residents behind.” 

We represent more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we use applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership, which now includes the providers of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, encompasses the continuum of services for people as they age, including those with disabilities. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information visit leadingage.org.