Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $854,147 in federal grant funding to the Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. The grant, distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be used to support programs for those living with dementia in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Lowell. 

“Between the dedicated caregivers at the Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and the innovative minds at UMass Lowell, this funding will go a long way in supporting 138,000 seniors with dementia,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This investment is critical as we work to address this central issue disrupting our senior community, and I couldn’t think of a better organization to put these funds to work.” 

“This new grant will allow our agency to bring innovative dementia-friendly programs to older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers across northeastern Massachusetts. We are particularly excited about new partnerships that help us better integrate dementia support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our region. By collaborating with experts from the University of Massachusetts and diverse service delivery partners, we will bring much needed services to many of the estimated 138,000 people in the Commonwealth living with dementia, said Joan Hatem Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore

Background: 

Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is a private non-profit agency serving elders and disabled adults living in Northeast Massachusetts. They are dedicated to supporting individuals’ desires to make their own decisions, secure their independence, and remain living in the community safely.

Congresswoman Trahan has been an ardent supporter of seniors during her time in Congress. In addition to consistently fighting to prevent cuts to Social Security and Medicare, Trahan has worked on numerous pieces of legislation to improve the life of seniors, such as the Older Americans Act (OAA), the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, and the Disability Integration Act. 

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