WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
Elizabeth Dole Foundation commends Congress for passing the
Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family
Caregivers Act today. The Foundation, which has fought for passage
of this bill over the past two years, is pleased to see this
significant step forward in support of all of America's caregivers,
including our nation's 5.5 million military caregivers —the
spouses, parents, loved ones, and friends caring for wounded, ill
or injured servicemembers and veterans at home.
The legislation directs the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) to develop, maintain, and periodically update a
National Family Caregiving Strategy. The strategy will encourage
the sharing of evidence-based best practices that maximize the
effectiveness of existing programs in support of family caregivers.
In addition, the bill requires the Secretary of HHS to convene a
Family Caregiving Advisory Council, which includes the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, or the Secretary's designee.
"The research is clear: veterans have the best chance to
recover, improve, and thrive when they have a strong,
well-supported caregiver," said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder of the Elizabeth Dole
Foundation. "The National Family Caregiving Strategy will identify
specific actions that providers, government officials, employers,
and others can take to recognize and support the unique needs of
caregivers that are all too often overlooked."
The Foundation and its Dole Caregiver Fellows have actively
championed this legislation every step of the way. The Foundation
closely collaborated with Senate bill sponsor Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Committee on Education and
Workforce Chairwoman Rep. Virginia
Foxx (R-NC), and AARP to ensure a strong bill that would
positively impact caregivers nationwide and achieve strong
bipartisan, bicameral support. In addition, Dole Caregiver Fellows
discussed the importance of the bill in more than 120 advocacy
meetings with their lawmakers in November surrounding the Elizabeth
Dole Foundation and VA's 2nd Annual Convening.
Congress has demonstrated its commitment to our nation's
caregivers in passing the RAISE Act, and the Foundation eagerly
awaits the bill signing into law by the President.
About Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole
Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting,
and honoring our nation's 5.5 million military caregivers – the
spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for
America's wounded, ill or injured veterans at home. Founded by
Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the
Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and
advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit,
and faith communities to recognize military caregivers' service and
promote their well-being. Learn more about the Elizabeth Dole
Foundation at www.elizabethdolefoundation.org.
The Hidden Heroes Campaign, an initiative of the
Elizabeth Dole Foundation, brings vital attention to the untold
stories of military caregivers and provides a safe, secure place
where caregivers can meet and access carefully vetted resources at
HiddenHeroes.org. Another aspect of the Campaign, Hidden Heroes
Cities, is an effort to galvanize local leaders across America
to identify military caregivers in their communities and the local
resources to support them. To date, 110 cities from San Antonio to New
York, from Washington, DC
to San Diego have signed on. Learn
more about Hidden Heroes at www.hiddenheroes.org.
Media Contact:
Meghan
Swope
814-591-5664
meghan@elizabethdolefoundation.org
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SOURCE Elizabeth Dole Foundation