Type of Intervention: Specific Action, Financial and Economic
Sectors Involved: Civil Defence, Social Services
Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Aid distributed to community groups
Level of Jurisdiction: Texas
Lead People/Agency: Governor Greg Abbott
Overview: Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will receive nearly $54 million in federal funds to support older Texans and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 response. The funding will be used to support programs and services administered by the state’s 28 Area Agencies on Aging such as home delivered meals, help with household chores, assistance with groceries, and respite care or other services for family caregivers.
Full details here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-54-million-to-support-older-texans-during-covid-19-pandemic
Type of Justification: Advice of EXTERNAL expert advisor or advisory committee
Evidence/Justification: Older Texans and Texans with disabilities face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and they need continued support during these trying times,” said Governor Abbott. “These federal funds will help provide higher risk Texans with additional support and resources to meet their everyday needs while allowing them to stay at home and stay safe. I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for providing Texas with this crucial financial support so that we can continue to serve our fellow Texans.