$862,000 for Aroostook Agency on Aging Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill in First Key Step

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $862,000 for the Aroostook Agency on Aging in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 Health and Human Services appropriations bill.  The bill, which was officially released by the full Senate Appropriations Committee today, must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House.

“Aroostook Agency on Aging provides seniors in The County with a variety of health and wellness services that emphasize self-care, independence, and preventative measures for social isolation,” said Senator Collins.  “By ensuring that resources and tools are readily available in the communities where older adults live in Northern Maine, this important investment would help Aroostook County seniors live longer, healthier lives.  As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

The funding would support the Aroostook Access Points for the Aging Project, which is focused on creating and strengthening the aging network in Aroostook County to assist older persons to lead independent and meaningful lives in their own communities and homes. 

The project would achieve this by adding or enhancing access point infrastructures, locations, and technologies that will provide localized connections to services, consultation and meeting space, recreation, and enrichment for The County’s older population. The project will strive to develop access points in 15-20 Aroostook County communities, including Fort Kent, Madawaska, Van Buren, Caribou, Ashland, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Danforth, Island Falls, Eagle Lake, Frenchville, Washburn, Easton, Limestone, Mars Hill, Littleton, and Hodgdon and others.