Fund programs that help seniors

By Betty Campbell, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 | 2 a.m.

As an aging professional, I urge Congress to fund Older Americans Act (OAA) nutrition programs at the increased levels proposed by President Barack Obama and approved by the House Appropriations Committee for fiscal year 2017.

OAA nutrition programs, such as Meals on Wheels and congregate meals at senior centers, provide nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety and wellness checks each day. These programs enable the independence of our nation’s most vulnerable. They also save significant taxpayer dollars by preventing unnecessary trips to the emergency room and delaying or eliminating altogether the need for nursing home care.

However, these programs are sorely underfunded due to declining public funding, stagnant private funding and rising food and transportation costs. I’m a volunteer at Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, and I’m aware of a long waiting list of elderly people who want help, but this organization just can’t help them because of lack of funds.

As Congress considers funding for FY2017, I urge our local congressional delegation to fund these nutrition programs at this bipartisan agreed-upon level. With more than 12,000 people turning 60 every day, now is the time to boost investments in these proven and cost-effective programs.