Sanford Center for Aging received two grants to expand the free health and wellness workshops offered to older adults in Nevada or those with disabilities. These evidence-based new programs are possible due to partnership building, expanding the portfolio of offerings.

“Thanks to the grant funding we have received, we are currently working to build relationships with organizations in the state to better serve older adults,” said Hannah Linden, MPH, director of health and wellness programs for Sanford Center for Aging. “After the notification of grant funding, we are beginning to collaborate and then will acquire the necessary training to best serve our community.”

The first grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) provides $1,247,301. Sanford Center is one of only five recipients throughout the country. This three-year project expands chronic disease self-management education programs throughout the state of Nevada, with an emphasis on reaching older adults and adults with disabilities who are also experiencing a behavioral health condition.

“With this grant we will offer the chronic disease self-management program, diabetes self-management program, health coaches for hypertension control, Fit & Strong! and Enhance Fitness,” said Linden. “The project involves working with multiple partners throughout seven counties in Nevada, including Washoe, Clark, Elko, Lyon, Nye, Lincoln and Esmeralda.”

Of the programs included in the grant, the health coaches for the hypertension control program will be new to Nevada and will support residents who experience this condition using trained professionals. Like the other programs, the hypertension program will be accessible using community spaces, virtual technology and regular offerings for convenience. 

The second grant from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is $75,000 to develop an innovative approach for reducing falls in the community. Partnering with REMSA Health and the Reno Fire Department (RFD), Sanford Center will gather referrals for older adults who have fallen and are in need of resources. The team will then conduct an assessment and provide tailored resources. For example, the team may provide information about safe footwear and where to get shoes properly fitted or a list of recommended balance exercises.

“Once complete, the team will follow up to determine if the information is helping and the individual is improving,” said Linden. “We are looking forward to collaborating with REMSA Health and RFD as their work allows them to reach a population that we normally have trouble reaching, so they are able to refer older adults who otherwise would likely never be connected with the Sanford Center. Many of the people they are reaching are those who are most vulnerable and in need of tools to help them prevent additional falls.”

These new programs join the other programs offered by Sanford Center for Aging, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, Stepping On and Powerful Tools for Caregivers. All the workshops are free and most are tailored to older adults age 60 and older.

“We offer our programs on a rotating basis throughout the year,” said Peter Reed, Ph.D., director of the Sanford Center. “With this new funding, we will be able to amplify our reach and connect with more participants who could benefit from our free resources. This is directly tied to the mission of Sanford Center for Aging, to support the health and well-being of older adults in Nevada.”