n4a's Making the Link program recognized by Archstone Foundation for excellence in program innovation

Washington, D.C. - Making the Link: Connecting Caregivers with Services through Physicians, a program of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), will be recognized this fall with an "Honorable Mention" in the Archstone Foundation's 2004 Archstone Award for Excellence in Program Innovation program. The Archstone Award was established in 1997 by Archstone Foundation and the Gerontological Health Section of the American Public Health Association to identify best practice models in the field of health and aging.

Making the Link, supported by a grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging, brings together two distinct but complementary systems - the aging network and health care providers - for the benefit of family caregivers across the county. Now in its second year, Making the Link connects approximately 200 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI - Native American aging programs with physicians in their local communities. The program's goal is to increase awareness among physicians about the essential health care role that family caregivers play, the significant impact of caregiving on the health of the caregiver, and the availability of caregiver services from AAAs and Title VI agencies.

Through partnerships with AAAs, physicians are referring family caregivers to these local agencies for vital support services, including information and assistance, counseling, support groups, respite care and adult day care. Awareness among physicians about the health implications of caregiving has also been enhanced through n4a's national partnerships with organizations representing general and specialty practice physicians.

The award will be presented during the 132nd Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 6-10, 2004, in Washington, D.C. n4a will present information on Making the Link during a November 8 poster session.

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The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the umbrella organization for our nation's 655 area agencies on aging (AAAs) and the representative body in Washington, D.C, for the interests of 240 Title VI-Native American aging programs. For more information about n4a, visit www.n4a.org.

Established in 1986, Archstone Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation whose mission is to prepare society for the growing needs of an aging society. Under the leadership of President and CEO Joseph F. Prevratil, J.D., Archstone grants up to $5 million annually, primarily in Southern California. The Archstone Foundation's funding priorities include elder abuse prevention, fall prevention, and emerging needs among the elderly.