On November 17, 2010, AoA celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). The NFCSP 10th Anniversary program in Washington, DC was facilitated by Christina Tchen, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. The program featured remarks from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee; and former Assistant Secretary for Aging Jeanette Takamura who was recognized for her efforts to bring about the creation of the program. The day’s events also included panel presentations from representatives of several national caregiver organizations, including Suzanne Mintz, National Family Caregivers Association; Gail Hunt, National Alliance for Caregiving; Kathy Kelly, Family Caregiver Alliance; Donna Butts, Generations United; and Debra Frankel, National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To read Secretary Sebelius’ prepared remarks, please click here.

The NFCSP 10th Anniversary Celebration kicked off the “Year of the Family Caregiver.” During 2011, the Aging Network and organizations who advocate on behalf of family caregivers are encouraged to focus on activities that highlight the important issues surrounding family caregiving and the NFCSP. To support these activities, AoA launched www.celebratingfamilycaregivers.org, a website designed to assist states and localities as well as national organizations with planning and hosting similar celebrations throughout the coming year. The website contains print materials and templates, a commemorative calendar, and caregiver testimonials and videos which may be used to support planning for such events.

The NFCSP 10th Anniversary website will be updated regularly with news and information about national events and activities pertaining to the NFCSP and family caregivers. AoA encourages states, local communities as well as national organizations to use the website to plan events and activities to heighten awareness of the needs of family caregivers, the programs and services available to meet those needs and the accomplishments made in the area of family caregiver support.