How the Point32Health Foundation is working towards equity in aging
The Point32Health Foundation has made equity in aging a central part of its work — helping to fund programs that address systemic inequities for older adults. Their mission states, “our equity in aging focus recognizes that a lifetime of inequities can exacerbate health disparities as people of color, people with disabilities and people who face systemic barriers grow older. We support community organizations working to improve conditions for those bearing the greatest risks and burdens of inequitable systems. Equity in aging addresses a growing and unmet need.”
This past July, the Point32Health foundation announced a group of new grant recipients, eight of which are nonprofit organizations throughout New England that support equity in aging. Those recipients are:
Maine
- Healthy Peninsula
Healthy Peninsula works to enhance and coordinate the Bridging Neighbors initiative, using volunteers to provide orientation, navigation, advocacy and social connection to older adults for improved access to and awareness of resources that support well-being. - Legal Services for the Elderly
In collaboration with elder services network, this organization advocates for public policies in support of older adults who experience systemic barriers.
Massachusetts
- LifePath
In partnership with Franklin Regional Council of Governments and resident-led working groups, LifePath implements age- and dementia-friendly Franklin County and North Quabbin initiative across 30 towns. - Livable Streets Transportation Alliance of Boston, Inc.
This group of coalition partners and community members, including older people and people with disabilities, work to advocate for fare-free bus program and bus lane enforcement to improve transit safety and equity. - Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
They are working to increase capacity of Older Adult Behavioral Health Network (OABHN) to advance policy and advocacy, strengthen workforce development initiatives, and implement Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) services through Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) across the Commonwealth. - Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This organization collaborates with regional coalitions, digital equity networks and leaders of age- and dementia-friendly initiatives in Boston, Framingham, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester to promote and implement best practices within housing and health sectors for engaging older adults with blindness or low vision.
New Hampshire
- Meals on Wheels Hillsborough County
They work to pilot and scale Dine Out Club, a restaurant dining initiative to address hunger and social isolation among older adults in New Hampshire; their findings will inform Meals on Wheels nationally. - Partnership for Public Health
Partnership for Public Health is working to strengthen WellnessLink, a statewide and centralized public health hub, so older adults, caregivers and families have the information and resources needed to build connections and age well.
Age- and dementia-friendly community resources
The Foundation’s work doesn’t stop with their philanthropic efforts. Our colleagues spend hundreds of hours volunteering at organizations that support this work throughout our communities. We also provide free resources to those who are interested in supporting healthy aging initiatives, and feature collations of local age- and dementia-friendly organization on our website. These groups are leaders in this work, and welcome volunteers and advocates to join their ranks. Learn more about these groups from across our region.
The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative
Building on the work of the Connecticut Livable Communities initiative, the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative is currently preparing an analysis of aging in the state, Connecticut’s history of livable community work coupled with priorities and best practices.
Maine Council on Aging
The Maine Council on Aging advocates for Mainers to live healthy, engaged, and secure lives with choices and opportunities as they age in their homes and communities. This vision intentionally includes diverse older people who have experienced historical bias and injustice.
Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is a network of leaders in the community, health and wellness, government, advocacy, research, business, education, and philanthropy who have come together to advance healthy aging.
NH Alliance For Healthy Aging (NH AHA)
The NH Alliance for Healthy Aging (NH AHA) is a statewide coalition of stakeholders focused on the health and well-being of older adults in New Hampshire. NH AHA works to promote its shared vision to create communities in New Hampshire that advance culture, policies and services which support older adults and their families.
Age-Friendly Rhode Island
Based at Rhode Island College, Age-Friendly Rhode Island is a coalition of community and state agencies, healthcare and social service providers, individuals of all ages, advocacy and faith-based organizations, businesses, academic institutions and municipal leaders who are committed to healthy aging.