This FCC page outlines what many communications companies are doing for their consumers during the pandemic crisis: https://www.fcc.gov/companies-pledging-keep-americans-connected-during-pandemic-go-above-and-beyond-call  Some of the companies are Lifeline providers. They also shared that the companies that cover 60-70% of their subscribers have granted unlimited minutes through June.

Any questions about Lifeline access or the T. VI Telephone Program?  Contact Jasmine Aplin or Cecelia Aldridge!!

How to Use Your Economic Impact Payment Prepaid Debit Card Without Paying a Fee

If you recently received an Economic Impact Payment prepaid debit card from the government in the mail, this is money for you under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Do not throw this card away. You will need this card to access your Economic Impact Payment. You must first activate your card by phone before you can use it. Once activated, your money is safe and secure on the card. Be sure to immediately report if your card is lost or stolen.

Click here for some common questions and tips to help you access your money and use your card, including how to do so with limited fees.

Tribal Community Preservation and COVID-19

Women with visions of planting seeds that build communities, don’t allow even pandemics to diminish their dreams. This DNA of endurance was planted unfairly and abruptly when the Pawnee were separated from the fertile soils of their Nebraska homeland.  Still, the Pawnee carried their seed with them.  But, the soils of Oklahoma were different, and their seeds were not acclimated there.  The Pawnee Nation lost not only their homeland, but much of their ability to grow the seeds they loved.

Today, due to the leadership of Deb Echo-Hawk, the Keeper of the Seed for the Pawnee Nation, and the helping hands of many others, the Pawnee Seed Preservation Project has grown to around 20 growers across Nebraska and, most importantly, local growers have arisen at the Pawnee Nation in Oklahoma.

Read the full article here.

New On-Farm Market Directory Project:  Get the Word Out!

The Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs (OAIANNHP) is pleased to announce the creation of a new project to help develop a searchable list of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian farmers through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) On-Farm Market Directory.

What are on-farm markets?
On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm.  Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to your door.

Why purchase from on-farm markets?
Purchasing items from on-farm markets for your Title VI program is a great way to get fresh, in season products to serve to your elders while also supporting your local economy.  Additionally, farmers in your community might offer traditional foods that may be difficult to find from retail grocery stores or food vendors.  Buying goods from on-farm markets may also serve as a reliable alternative for products in times of crisis or economic instability.

How can I help?
Get the word out!!!  Doing so may help your Title VI program and others by ensuring there are a large number of on-farm markets to choose from.  We have developed a quick, easy application for farmers of federally recognized tribes, and it can be downloaded here on our website, https://olderindians.acl.gov/on-farm-market-directory.

Questions?
Please send an email to olderindians@acl.hhs.gov with the subject line “On-Farm Market Directory.”

Activities to Reduce Social Isolation

What social activities are you doing during COVID to reduce isolation?  Share your events and ideas with us!  Below are some great ideas from Title VI programs:

Legacy of our Elders Movie Night – The Tanana Chiefs Conference will be releasing new interviews from their Legacy of Our Elders Series every Friday at 7:00pm online!  The Legacy of Our Elders series documents the stories and lives of Alaska Native elders throughout the TCC region.  Find more information here.

Virtual Paint & Sip Nettle Tea – Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is hosting a virtual Paint & Sip Nettle Tea event.  Up to 12 participants are provided canvas, easels and paint kits.  Unlimited participation for those who have their own supplies and would like to join in the ZOOM instruction.  Hosted by a local artist.  Find more information here.

Virtual Miles for Meals 5K – The Knik Tribal Council is participating in this virtual 5K event supporting Meals on Wheels.  Organizers are encouraging participants to 5K Fun, Run, Walk & Roll at your own pace in your own space.  Make a video, take a selfie, or stop by and take a picture under the “Finish Line” banner.  Find more information here.

Virtual Workshops – The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College Extension is offering a calendar of virtual workshops and events all month long.  Events can be accessed via ZOOM and include:  Virtual Beading Circle, Sewing a Cloth Mask, Virtual Talking Circle, Making a Lanyard, Leather Tobacco Pouch Making, and more.  Find more information here.

Safer at Home Bingo – Aniwayha Consulting Services has created Bingo cards to be used for “Safer at Home Bingo”.  The plan is to print cards and drop them off on Monday with the initial home-delivered meals and supplies.  Then the Elder leaves a completed card out to be collected the following Monday.  All cards entered into a drawing for prizes.  A Bingo card example can be found here.  Aniwayha has also provided editable Bingo cards for others to use:  two sheet editable Bingo card and a one sheet editable Bingo card.

Title VI Part A/B, C and NSIP 2019 Reporting Deadline Extension

Deadline:  Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Title VI Part A/B, C and NSIP 2019 No-Cost Extension Awards

No-cost extension awards on all FY19 grants were issued in mid-April. Funds must be obligated by 3/31/21 and liquidated 90 days after (6/30/21). If you need the amount of your no-cost extension award, please contact your ACL regional administrator.

Title VI Friday Afternoon Chats

Please join the Title VI team this Friday May 29 at 3:00 pm EDT to talk about reporting on services provided to elders and caregivers during COVID. ACL will walk through the Title VI reporting guidance and leave plenty of time for a question and answer session.

Please submit your suggestions for format or speakers for these ongoing calls to laura.stevenson@teyaservices.com.

Title VI Director Advocates Serving on Local, State and National Committees

The following Title VI Directors are currently serving on various committees:

• Roberta Bigback, Montana Governor’s Council on Aging
• Manny Carlo, n4a Board of Directors
• Marcia Hall, Idaho Governor’s Council on Aging
• Brenda House, n4a Board of Directors
• Rita Jojola, Title VI Directors Association Chair
• Tamela Okuly Shananaquet, Treasurer, Michigan Indian Elders Association
• Rhonda Weaver, n4a Board of Directors

Please send in your names and appointments to be added to our “Hall of Fame”!  Send name and appointment to laura.stevenson@teyaservices.com.

Emergency Meals-to-You

The Meals-To-You (MTY) Demonstration Project provides crucial nutrition to children in rural settings who may otherwise be unable to access federal nutrition programs.  MTY was initially created as a common-sense response for rural communities where congregate meals are impractical. Due to the success of the model, emergency Meals-to-You (eMTY) is being offered as a response to COVID-19-related school closures.

Download information here or visit www.mealstoyou.org.

Lifeline Available to Lower Monthly Phone or Internet Bill

Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the cost of your monthly phone or internet bill.  Customers living on federally recognized Tribal Lands can receive up to $34.25 off phone or Internet service.  Lifeline is a program of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help make communications services more affordable for eligible consumers.  To learn more, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/additional-support-for-tribal-lands/.

Find more information here.  Download the Tribal Flyer here.

FAQ for Title VI Grantees-May 11, 2020

2020 Title VI Grants Cheat Sheet

A quick guide to the program periods, reporting expectations and allowable services under the Title VI 202 grants, including Title VI Part A/B/C grants, FFCRA and CARES supplemental grants is available.

Find the 2020 Title VI Grants Cheat Sheet here.

Large Purchase Request Information

During our nutrition webinar we received some questions about large purchase requests, so we wanted to share the large purchase request template with everyone.  You will need to submit a large purchase request for any single purchase over $5,000. To do this:

• You will need to submit 1 bid for the item you would like to purchase. Please note, you usually need to submit 3 bids but there is an exception in place until 06/20 due to COVID.
• The item you submit you wish to purchase must be American made.
• You will submit the bid and the large purchase request to your Regional Administrator.
• Please do not purchase the large item until you have received approval from ACL’s grants office.

Download the large purchase request template here.  If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

Older Indians Facebook Page

Follow us on our Older Indians Facebook page for more news and insights about Title VI programs and issues all week long.  Click here to find the Older Indians Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/OlderIndiansACLAoA/.

The official newspaper of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe – May 2020 issue.  Read it here.

Moccasin Trail

Newsletter of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office for the Aging – June 2020 issue.  Read it here.

Win Awenen Nisitotung

News and information from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians – June 3, 2020 issue.  Read it here.

Main Points of Contact

Cynthia LaCounte
Director, Office for American Indians, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiian Programs
Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living
Cynthia.LaCounte@acl.hhs.gov
202-795-7380

Cecelia Aldridge
Aging Services Program Specialist, Program Officer
Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living
Cecelia.Aldridge@acl.hhs.gov
202-795-7293

Leslie Green
Aging Programs Specialist
Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living
Leslie.Green@acl.hhs.gov
202-868-9384

Jasmine Aplin
Program Analyst
Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living
Jasmine.Aplin@acl.hhs.gov
202-795-7453

David Long
Program Analyst
Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living
David.Long@acl.hhs.gov
202-795-7320

ACL Regional Staff

Title VI Directors List

SAMHSA Announces New Resources in CARES

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is pleased to announce the availability of, and distribution decisions for, $15 million in new resources appropriated in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. L. No. 116-136, to address coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, preparedness, and response in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.

Read the full announcement here.

HFC Dementia Home Care Grant

HFC^® (formerly Hilarity for Charity) and the Home Instead Senior Care^® network are working together to award home care grants to those providing care to their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. The home care grants will be awarded across the United States and Canada.

The goal of the home care grant is to provide exceptional home care to families affected by this disease, and to give these families support and rest. These grants are facilitated by Home Instead, where available. To be eligible for the Recharge Relief Grant or the Extended Relief Respite Grant, the caregiver or loved one living with Alzheimer’s and dementia must fit within the following criteria:

• Currently living at home with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
• Facing financial and emotional hardships due to the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
• Resides in the United States or Canada.

Learn more and apply here.

Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI): Dementia Capability in Indian Country

ACL’s Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI): Dementia Capability in Indian Country funding announcement seeks to support and promote the development and expansion of dementia-capable home and community-based services (HCBS) in Indian Country.  The dementia-capable services resulting from program activities are expected to provide quality, person-centered services and supports that help people living with dementia and their caregivers remain independent and safe in their communities.

A pre-recorded informational call is available until May 24, 2020 at 800-627-3229, passcode 5986.

View the funding opportunity on grants.gov (HHS-2020-ACL-AOA-ADPI-0418).  If you have questions, please contact Erin Long.

Seed Grants Available for the Creation or Expansion of Supportive Services to Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children

Proposal due:  Wednesday, June 10, 2020

The Brookdale Foundation Group has issued a Request for Proposals for the creation or expansion of supportive services to grandparents and other relatives raising children. Up to 15 programs will be selected to receive a seed grant of $15,000 ($10,000 and $5,000 respectively), contingent upon progress made during year one and potential for continuity in the future. Ongoing technical assistance will also be provided. Any 501(c)(3) or equivalent not-for-profit organizations can apply.
Selected applicants will be required to attend an Orientation and Training Conference, as guests, to be held October 22-24, 2020, in Teaneck, NJ.

View the Request for Proposals here.  For questions, contact Melinda Perez-Porter, Director, Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP), The Brookdale Foundation Group.

ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families ANA grant applications are open now with bonus points awarded for projects addressing Missing and Murdered Native Americans. The ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies funding opportunity announcement (FOA) allows for the flexibility to support community based projects focused on efforts related to MMNA.  This FOA has an award ceiling of $400,000 per budget year.

Find more information here.

Title VI Webinar: Tools for Title VI – New Data Collection

Title VI Webinar: Transportation Funding and Resources for Title VI Programs

AARP National Tele-town Hall Events

Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. ET

During these live events, experts share information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and participants have asked questions – and gotten answers – on topics including safety and prevention, Medicare beneficiary costs, coverage and policies related to tele-health services, avoiding frauds and scams, and caring for loved ones. AARP will host these online events every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

Details can be found here.

Beyond the Restraining Order: Civil Options for Victims of Domestic Violence

Presenter:  Jessica Dayton, Certified Family Law Specialist, ADZ Law, LLP

Description:  Civil domestic violence remedies too often get lost in the gap between the family law attorney and the personal injury attorney. This webinar will explore how victims of domestic violence can use civil lawsuits to obtain justice, hold responsible parties accountable, and obtain the financial resources needed to rebuild their lives. Attorneys can assist survivors in achieving justice by identifying the monetary and non-monetary benefits of pursuing a civil case and leaving no option foreclosed.

Register for this webinar here.

Your Money, Your Goals Toolkit Training Series

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) invites you to join a free weekly webinar series to learn about the tools and resources available through our Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit. The one and one-half hour webinars will showcase the CFPB’s Your Money, Your Goals financial resources for frontline staff and those who work with economically vulnerable populations. Each webinar will focus on various financial issues, e.g., savings, credit and debt management. Materials pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic will also be highlighted. You can find many of the related resources and information at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/.  Whether someone has experienced a loss of income or housing or was targeted by a scammer, we have resources to help them remain protected during this difficult time.

Register for these webinars here.

The Changing Face of Victim Services in Indian Country

Presenters:

• Gayle Thom, Project Director, Tribal Resource Tool, National Center for Victims of Crime
• Renee Bourque, Project Manager, Tribal Resource Tool, National Center for Victims of Crime
• Lindsey Compton-White, Buffalo Calf Womens’ Society (WBC), Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota

Description:  Unfortunately, no segment of society is immune to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Tribal victim service providers are no exception. This webinar will provide an overview of how COVID-19 impacts the accessibility and delivery of victim services in tribal communities, and share some of the innovative strategies tribal victim service providers are using to continue their work.

Register for the webinar here.

The U.S. Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline to Assist Victims of Financial Fraud

Presenters:  

• Lori A. McGee, M.A., National Elder Fraud Hotline Manager at the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance
• Helen Supanich, M.D.R., National Elder Fraud Hotline Case Management Shift Supervisor, Office of Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center

Description:  Presenters will discuss the services available from the new U.S. Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will assist older adults who may be victims of financial fraud in reporting fraud to the appropriate agencies. As a result of the session, participants will be able to identify services available to victims through the Hotline and identify resources and approaches for referring potential victims of financial fraud for additional support.

Register for this webinar here.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to helping the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal Health Programs, and Urban Indian Programs to maximize their ability to access third party resources. To meet this objective, CMS holds face to face trainings for third party business office staff, in partnership with the State Medicaid agencies, Medicare, the Social Security Administration, and the IHS. Due to travel and training restrictions issued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have postponed our ITU trainings through June 2020. The CMS Division of Tribal Affairs has developed the following webinars to provide business office staff, patient registration and patient benefit coordinators the following virtual opportunities on topics featured at the CMS ITU face to face trainings.  These webinars will be archived and will be available on http://go.cms.gov/AIAN.

Outreach and Education/National Indian Health Board

Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 2:00 pm ET
Register:  Outreach and Education/National Indian Health Board
Learn about CMS tribal outreach and education resources and strategies to increase American Indian and Alaska Native enrollment in CMS programs.

Office of Inspector General:  Preventing Fraud Waste and Abuse

Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm ET
Register:  Office of Inspector General:  Preventing Fraud Waste and Abuse
This webinar will provide an overview of how the Office of Inspector General interacts with IHS and tribes and review specific examples of fraud and abuse in tribal communities.

2020 National Title VI Training & Technical Assistance Conference – Canceled

2020 HHS Annual Regional Tribal Consultations

HHS Regional Tribal Consultation (RTC) sessions are designed to provide Tribal Leaders with the opportunity to address HHS on how the Department can improve Tribal outreach and coordination and to discuss programmatic and policy issues and concerns with Tribes.  In an effort to improve the dialogue and discussion surrounding policy issues impacting Tribes, HHS restructured last year’s RTC sessions.  While allowing Tribes to focus on regional specific issues with their respective regional HHS counterparts, the sessions also provided an opportunity for Tribal leaders to consult with HHS headquarters leadership on national level issues.  Please see below for the dates for each respective consultation session:

•  July 9 – 10, 2020: Region 9: Glendale, AZ
•  July 14 – 16, 2020: Region 6, 7, 8: Denver, CO
•  July 22 – 23, 2020: Region 5: Manistee, MI
•  July 28 – 29, 2020: Region 3: King William, VA
•  July or September, 2020:  Region 1:  Boston, MA
•  September 2020:  Region 2:  Upstate NY
•  September 2020:  Region 4:  Miami, FL

Please continue to check the HHS Regional consultation website for the dates and status of Regional consultations.  Please contact Devin Delrow, Associate Director for Tribal Affairs at 202-205-0226 or at consultation@hhs.gov with any questions.

CMS ITU Training Events

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to helping the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal Health Programs, and Urban Indian Programs to maximize their ability to access third party resources. To meet this objective, CMS, in partnership with the States, the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration, and the IHS, provides training to patient benefits advocates on the programs and benefits available through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace.  Title VI Staff are welcome to attend these trainings.

Below is a list of training locations and dates:

• Navajo Area – July 7-16, 2020 (Virtual)
• Albuquerque Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• Bemidji Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• Billings Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• California Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• Nashville Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• Oklahoma City Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• Portland Area – Date TBD (Virtual)
• IHS Partnership – Date TBD (Virtual)
• ACL – Date TBD (Virtual)

For more information and registration, click here.