Help Support Title VII Geriatrics Training Programs

Subject: Help Support Title VII Geriatrics Training Programs

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

Now that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 appropriations process is underway, we need your help ensuring that older Americans get the healthcare they need. The President's proposed FY 2009 budget would eliminate all funding for important Title VII health professions programs - including Geriatrics Training Programs.

Funding for these programs is a small but highly effective investment in ensuring that older adults receive high quality healthcare now and in the future. A healthcare workforce that is well-versed in the unique healthcare needs of older adults has a tremendous impact on the quality of care provided. In 2005 alone, Title VII-funded Geriatric Education Centers reported delivery of low-cost geriatrics training interventions to over 50,000 health care providers who collectively reported over 8.6 million patient encounters and enhanced quality of care provided to older adults. The 2005 White House Conference on Aging identified investment in geriatrics training as a top priority for the nation with good reason.

As a constituent, I ask you to support continued funding for these programs in FY 2009. As you well know, the President's proposed budget is only the starting point, so please make Title VII a high priority and guarantee Title VII Geriatrics Health Professions Programs funding in FY 2009.

Thank you for your commitment to improving older Americans' access to quality healthcare. Should you have questions about Title VII Geriatrics Health Professions Programs, please have your staff contact Anne Marie Evriviades (212-308-1414) at the American Geriatrics Society.