2026 Month of the Elderly Programme of Activities., Dominica Source: Dominica Council on Ageing.
Empowering older adults begins with listening.
For caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, educators, and aging-services organizations, inclusion means more than inviting an older person into the room. It means ensuring that the individual’s voice meaningfully influences decisions about daily routines, health, caregiving, family involvement, cultural practices, independence, and quality of life.
This September, Touie Care encourages caregivers and organizations to consider:
- Are we asking older adults what matters to them before deciding what is best for them?
- Are cultural traditions, language, family relationships, faith, food, and community connections incorporated into care?
- Are older adults being supported to participate rather than being treated primarily as recipients of assistance?
- Are caregivers trained to distinguish between supporting safety and unnecessarily limiting autonomy?
- Do our programs recognize the knowledge and contributions of older adults as assets?
From Dominica to communities throughout the Caribbean diaspora and beyond, Touie Care supports an approach to aging grounded in dignity, voice, cultural responsiveness, participation, and quality care.
Proposed Changes to Living Organ Donation Reimbursement
HRSA is accepting public comments on proposed changes to the Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program (LODRP).
The proposed update would base reimbursement eligibility on the living donor’s financial situation rather than the organ recipient’s income.
This matters because living donors and families may face costs such as travel, lost wages, child care, elder care, and other dependent care needs.
Families need clear, simple information when health policy changes affect care, costs, and caregiving responsibilities.
What to Say in a Public Comment
Caregivers, families, and community organizations may wish to comment on the need for:
- Plain-language education for families and donors
- Outreach to underserved and culturally diverse communities
- Recognition of elder care and dependent care costs
- Support for caregivers helping families navigate complex health decisions
- Clear referral pathways through healthcare, aging, and community-based organizations
Public comments are open through July 31, 2026.
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network is a public-private partnership that manages the U.S. organ donation and transplant system to provide transplants and support transplant patients. It establishes and enforces national policies for organ allocation, ensuring fairness and efficiency in matching organs from deceased donors with transplant candidates.
Helpful Links
Written and/or electronic comments should be submitted by email to livingdonorsupport@hrsa.gov or by mail to Division of Transplantation, Health Systems Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857
Dr. Lastic joins the G.L.E.E. Portsmouth Presenters Program, supporting youth career readiness, leadership development, and community advancement.
Champion Your Health
Celebrating older Americans Month
Observed each May & led by the ACL, OAM highlights the contributions of older adults and promotes healthy aging (prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility). Prioritize screenings, social connection, physical activity, and mental well-being. Small daily actions can improve health, independence, & quality of life
In May, think 👉🏼 Proactive Science-Based Care
for Prevention & Lifespan Health
Every year, the HHS, through the Office on Women's Health, observes National Women’s Health Week beginning on Mother’s Day.
Caregivers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to incorporate these priorities into practice by supporting education, coordinated care, and access to essential services.