SPRINGDALE, OHIO, April 07, 2020 – Council on Aging (COA) has received a $40,000 grant from Aetna, a CVS Health business (Aetna), supporting its response the COVID-19 outbreak. The grant is part of more than $1 million CVS Health and its foundations have given to address food insecurity and other community needs in response to the challenges presented by pandemic.
“COVID-19 is having a real impact on older adults in our region. We’re hearing from seniors who are afraid to leave their homes to shop for food and other essential items,” said Suzanne Burke, CEO of Council on Aging. “We appreciate the support Aetna has provided Council on Aging to help our community respond to COVID-19, particularly where seniors are concerned.”
COA is using the grant monies to provide food and other essential supplies to seniors who have been impacted by COVID-19, as well as to help cover other unanticipated expenses related to this public health emergency.
Seniors are among those most at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 and are being advised to stay home and limit outside contact with others. COA has already provided nearly 7,500 food boxes to seniors. Each box contains a 14-day supply of shelf-stable meals. The boxes are intended to be an emergency back-up for COA clients who regularly receive home-delivered or congregate meals, as well as seniors in the community who’ve been unable to get food through other sources. COA anticipates the need for a second round of these food boxes as the pandemic continues.
Similar to the food boxes, COA is also gathering essential supplies such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies and personal care items for seniors in need. Donations are being accepted through April 30 at sites across COA’s service area and at fillthetruck.org. Information about how people can help with these efforts can be found at help4seniors.org/donations4seniors.
“We know that as a result of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, there are many people in the communities we serve who are faced with urgent needs,” said Eileen Howard Boone, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy at CVS Health, President of CVS Health Foundation. “As part of our ongoing commitment to building healthier communities, we are pleased to support Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio in response to this pandemic.”
“The Area Agencies on Aging in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo are critical partners for Aetna Better Health of Ohio and we are pleased to provide additional funds to them during this very challenging pandemic,” said Tony Solem, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Ohio. “They know their communities and where the greatest needs are, and we are proud to support their efforts to take care of vulnerable Ohioans.”
About Council on Aging: Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. COA promotes choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain independent for as long as possible.
COA is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.
Regional Headquarters:
175 Tri County Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45246 | 513-721-1025 | 800-252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org