The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York has announced grants of $100,000 each to three New York counties to support the development of Age-Friendly Centers of Excellence.
Erie, Tompkins and Oneida counties are recipients of the awards. Each county will partner with local organizations to help communities and local governments incorporate healthy, age-friendly community principles into all relevant policies, plans, ordinances and programs.
The Health Foundation is providing additional support by underwriting a learning collaborative and technical assistance program, led by the New York Academy of Medicine.
The goal is creating healthier, more integrated communities that allow New Yorkers of all ages to access services, participate in civic activities and travel safely and efficiently in the community.
“Addressing the social determinants of health is a key part of improving health outcomes for all New Yorkers, and especially older adults," said Health Foundation President Nora OBrien-Suric. "Age-friendly communities are the future of a healthy New York State, and we are pleased and grateful to play a role in this initiative.”
Erie County will partner with the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at the University at Buffalo (the IDEA Center) to integrate inclusive design and livable communities strategies across all departments of Erie County government.
New York State was certified as the first age-friendly state in 2017 by AARP and the World Health Organization.
“As the first age-friendly state, New York is committed to creating thriving communities that support and attract people of all ages," said Greg Olsen, Acting Director of the New York State Office for the Aging. "These Age-Friendly Centers of Excellence will help incorporate age-friendly, smart growth principles into the fabric of our communities, improve the health and quality of life of all New Yorkers, and further our goal of making New York the healthiest state in the country.”
