This bill amends Part A of title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a new rural outreach grant program . The program authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants to eligible entities, including states, Indian Tribes, and organizations serving older individuals or protected classes, to address the needs of LGBTQI older individuals and other protected classes residing in rural areas. A key objective is to create lasting partnerships and provide comprehensive sexual health services to all older individuals in these regions. Grant funds can be used for various activities, such as engaging in education and training for community outreach, reducing isolation, and improving access to care for these vulnerable populations. Initiatives also include fostering relationships between local service providers and LGBTQI older individuals, improving cultural competency among service providers, and expanding nondiscrimination policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Additionally, the program supports providing sexual health services, including those for individuals with HIV, to older individuals in rural areas. Eligible entities must submit applications detailing proposed activities, population characteristics, and intent to partner with local organizations. Funds received must supplement, not supplant , existing state or local funds for related services. Grantees are required to cooperate and coordinate with relevant state and local government agencies and other public and private organizations, prioritizing those serving older individuals with the greatest social need. The Assistant Secretary must establish standards and guidelines, report annually to Congress, and $5,000,000 is authorized for appropriations for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
This bill amends Part A of title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a new rural outreach grant program . The program authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants to eligible entities, including states, Indian Tribes, and organizations serving older individuals or protected classes, to address the needs of LGBTQI older individuals and other protected classes residing in rural areas. A key objective is to create lasting partnerships and provide comprehensive sexual health services to all older individuals in these regions. Grant funds can be used for various activities, such as engaging in education and training for community outreach, reducing isolation, and improving access to care for these vulnerable populations. Initiatives also include fostering relationships between local service providers and LGBTQI older individuals, improving cultural competency among service providers, and expanding nondiscrimination policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Additionally, the program supports providing sexual health services, including those for individuals with HIV, to older individuals in rural areas. Eligible entities must submit applications detailing proposed activities, population characteristics, and intent to partner with local organizations. Funds received must supplement, not supplant , existing state or local funds for related services. Grantees are required to cooperate and coordinate with relevant state and local government agencies and other public and private organizations, prioritizing those serving older individuals with the greatest social need. The Assistant Secretary must establish standards and guidelines, report annually to Congress, and $5,000,000 is authorized for appropriations for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028.