MAG Human Services Transportation Newsletter - May 2024

This Month in
Human Services Transportation

The Maricopa Association of Governments
Human Services Transportation Newsletter | May 2024

desert landscape

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Transportation Ambassador Program (TAP)

Save the date for the next TAP Meeting on May 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and resources regarding human services transportation for older adults and persons with disabilities. Presentations will include updates from Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, and BeConnected. You can register for the TAP meeting now.

FEATURED STORIES

happy bus

The Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM) in May. This year's theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on health and well-being. OAM welcomes communities to join them in promoting the benefits of connecting with others. Please visit the 2024 OAM webpage to access free promotional material and learn more about OAM.

Research

The National Caregiver Champion Collaborative (CCC) opens registration. USAging invites Aging Network providers and partners who are responsible for the administration of caregiver services and supports to register to join the CCC. Participants will gather regularly to share successful strategies and best practices, discuss lessons learned, explore new partnerships and get insight into the latest research and emerging evidence-based programs. Please visit the CCC webpage to learn more about the collaborative and how to register.

Man with mask

Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Human Development (IHD) is conducting a study that explores the experiences of people with disabilities living in Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online survey asks about individuals’ COVID-19 experiences, COVID-19 vaccination experiences, and COVID-19 booster experiences. Participants may enter a raffle to win $25 incentive cards for completing the survey. The survey closes on August 30th and may be accessed through this link.

White House

The White House released an Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) press release details how they will be supporting workers across the country. The Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center received applications from 20 states to participate in one of two programs to support them in addressing the workforce shortage in their state. The following states were selected: Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey, and New Mexico. On Tuesday, May 21, HHS and The U.S. Department of Labor, in collaboration with the DCW Strategies Center, will host a webinar to share highlights and recommendations from the issue brief. Registration is required and may be accessed through this link.

caregiver helping woman

The Administration for Community Living has released a new notice of funding opportunity to continue developing and implementing innovative local models of non-medical volunteer assistance and support to family caregivers, older adults, and adults with disabilities in order to maintain their independence. The estimated total program funding is just over $5 million. Applications will close on June 8,2024. To learn more and complete the application, please visit the grant notice webpage.

hands together

The Administration for Community Living has released the 2024 funding opportunity for the Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative - Grants to States and Communities program. Cooperative agreement grants awarded under this opportunity will support and promote the development and expansion of dementia-capable home and community-based service systems in states, communities, and tribes. The estimated total program funding is about $47.5 million. Applications will close on June 11,2024. To learn more and complete the application, please visit the grant notice webpage

a person writing on a piece of paper with a pen

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) program are being offered a funding opportunity on health and function of people with disabilities. The purpose of the RRTC programs is to achieve the goals and improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topic areas. The estimated total program funding is about $875k. Applications will close on June 17,2024. To learn more and complete the application, please visit the grant notice webpage.

 

WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS

  • MAG offers trainings and workshops facilitated by our subregional mobility managers monthly. The trainings and workshops cover topics such as drivers’ safety, fleet management, and include an opportunity to discuss current service providers topics. The next workshop will be a Driver Safety workshop led by Justin MacGregor, Subregional Mobility Manager, from STARS. The workshop will cover driver safety techniques, vehicle care, and documentation required by MAG. Justin will also include a section on, Knowing Your Driver, with questions to ask a driver such as,

    • What do you like most about driving?
    • What types of vehicles have you driven?
    • Do you feel comfortable driving the vehicle?

    Preventative Maintenance Workshop

    If you have a suggestion for a story, an announcement you would like to share, questions about transportation program best practices, or would like to provide feedback for the newsletter, contact DeDe Gaisthea at DGaisthea@azmag.gov.

RECOGNITION

The Transportation Ambassador Program (TAP) values the diligent work of drivers and staff at agencies providing transportation services to the community. At the last TAP meeting we recognized Carol Crittenden from UCP of Central Arizona for Years of Service.

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Driver of the Quarter recognition went to Linda & Ron Thornton from YMCA's Outreach Program for Aging Seniors.

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Nominations are now open to recognize an Outstanding Driver or staff member Years of Service at your agency. Selected nominees will be recognized at the TAP meeting in May. Nomination forms for Outstanding Drivers and Years of Service are also available on our website. Nominations are due May 15, 2024. We greatly appreciate the support you provide for our community members!

 

RESOURCES