FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2023

Silver Spring, MD — Easterseals DC MD VA is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $59,352 grant by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for the COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Uptake Initiative. The program is supported with funding from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The grant will support Easterseals Adult Day Services work in making it as easy as possible for older adults and people with disabilities to get their updated vaccinations and protect their health. Easterseals will use the funds to reach adults, seniors, and veterans with disabilities with trusted information and support getting to vaccine appointments. Adult Day Services also will host vaccine clinics, with the first ones scheduled for July 5 from 11 am – 12 pm at 1420 Spring Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910 and July 6 from 11 am – 12 pm at 7138 Windsor Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244.

Today, nearly nine out of 10 deaths from COVID-19 are among people 65 and over, and 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in older adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While lifesaving vaccines are available, research shows COVID-19 vaccine uptake has slowed among older adults. Thanks to this grant, Adult Day Services will organize a robust vaccination program to address this challenge in Maryland.

“Thanks to NCOA, our Adult Day Services participants receive vital vaccinations to support their overall wellness while enrolled at our centers in Silver Spring and Baltimore,” said Marcus Bolston, MS-HIA, Senior Director of Adult and Senior Services of Easterseals DC MD VA.

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Easterseals DC MD VA – Easterseals leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. For more information about Easterseals DC MD VA, visit www.eseal.org.

National Council on Aging – NCOA is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA believes that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, NCOA provides resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, NCAO is the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

Contact: Lauren Poon, Manager of Communications & Marketing, lpoon@eseal.org.