Ohio Counties Get Healthy Aging Grants

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy announced the launch of a new Healthy Aging grant program to help empower Ohioans to thrive as they age. The program will provide $40 million in support to local aging services focused on helping Ohioans ages 60 and older stay healthy, live longer, and maintain their independence.

A total of 85 Ohio counties are currently participating in the Healthy Aging Grants program. Once applications are approved, each county will receive a base amount of $100,000, with additional funding provided based on the number of county residents ages 60 and older who are not enrolled on Medicaid.

Healthy Aging Grants are administered by the ODA for distribution to counties in every area of Ohio to bolster critical aging supports including food and housing assistance, internet access and digital literacy services. Governor Dewine states in a press release that “Ohioans want to live well as they grow older. They want to live in their homes, around their family and close friends, while remaining vibrant and active contributors to their communities. The local programs strengthened by our new Healthy Aging Grants will make this level of vitality and autonomy possible for more older adults across our state and is key to achieving our vision of making Ohio the best place to age in the nation.”

Healthy Aging funds are also designed to be flexible in recognizing that every community has unique needs and will support local aging programs making the biggest impact in their area. The grants can be used to promote a number of additional services that align with Ohio’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging, such as nutrition and physical activity, health insurance enrollment, minor home repairs, caregiver support, transportation, and more.

Healthy Aging was introduced by Governor DeWine in his executive budget proposal and later officially established through the passage of Amended Substitute House Bill 33, the state operating budget signed by the Governor in July 2023. A total of 85 Ohio counties are currently participating in the Healthy Aging Grants program. Once applications are approved, each county will receive a base amount of $100,000, with additional funding provided based on the number of county residents ages 60 and older who are not enrolled on Medicaid. Counties will work with existing and new aging service providers to expand access to services. while the ODA will assist in supporting efficient and effective use of grant funding. More information is available on the ODA Healthy Aging webpage.