New Data Show Millions of Older Americans Need Help with Basic Daily Tasks

5/28/2003

From: Julie Moriarty, 202-338-8700, for Faith in Action

News Advisory:

-- New Data Show Millions of Older Americans Need Help with Basic Daily Tasks -- Della Reese to Lead Effort in Raising Awareness of A National Network Of Free Services

A new study finds millions of Americans over age 55 struggle with daily activities as simple as shopping, cooking and housework. Millions of those who have difficulty do not receive any help from family or others. To address this need, Faith in Action, a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will introduce Della Reese as the new national spokesperson. Reese will lead an effort to spread the word about its national network of free, community-based services.

Faith in Action is committed to increasing awareness of its current programs, to creating new programs, and to recruiting new volunteers to help older Americans stay in their homes and communities. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $35 million to establish more than 1,000 programs in communities throughout the United States.

WHAT: -- News conference to release new research on Americans age 55 and older -- Introduce Della Reese as new national spokesperson to lead effort to raise awareness of programs and encourage Americans to volunteer to help neighbors in need.

WHO: -- Della Reese, actress and performer, star of Touched by an Angel -- Burton Reifler, MD, MPH, National Director, Faith in Action -- Michael J. Perry, Vice President, Lake, Snell, Perry and Associates, Inc. -- Faith in Action volunteer and care recipient

WHERE: Holeman Lounge National Press Club 529 14th Street, NW (Corner of 14th and F Streets) Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 10 a.m.

B-roll with footage of Faith in Action programs, volunteers, and care recipients, plus sound bites from the Washington, D.C. news event will be available on Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4.