(Alexandria, Va.) – Assisted living advocates Argentum on Jan. 6 offered praise for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his announcement that up to 1 million COVID rapid test kits will be made available to the state’s assisted living and nursing home communities. The state is setting an example for the Biden Administration to follow on how to put seniors first for testing, vaccines, and early treatments to prevent infections and deaths from COVID and its variants.
Argentum also applauded the Florida Senior Living Association, its state affiliate in the Sunshine State, for urging the governor to get rapid tests to assisted living communities. Argentum has provided guidance and developed tools for all its state affiliates on how to advocate for COVID testing and other support for assisted living communities to help battle COVID.
“Florida Gov. DeSantis has put actions over words in prioritizing assisted living communities for these all-important rapid COVID tests. As the omicron variant engulfs the country, it is residents in senior living who are most in the crosshairs of this virus, and that is the reason we have worked aggressively to get the federal government and states to put seniors first,” said James Balda, president and CEO, Argentum.
“Our members have not had a break for what is now the third year of battling COVID. If all states, and notably the Biden Administration, would support assisted living residents like Florida has today, in this ongoing fight with testing, vaccine, and treatment support, it would be a lot easier to protect our residents.”
Argentum has led the battle for months on getting the Biden Administration to not only prioritize COVID testing and other supports, but to target billions in the Provider Relief Fund for assisted living caregivers.
About Argentum
Argentum is the leading national association exclusively dedicated to supporting companies operating professionally managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve. Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults.
Argentum member companies operate senior living communities offering assisted living, independent living, continuing care, and memory care services. Along with its state partners, Argentum’s membership represents approximately 75 percent of the senior living industry—an industry with a national economic impact of nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars and responsible for providing over 1.6 million jobs. These numbers will continue to grow as the U.S. population ages.
Argentum’s programs and initiatives are driven by its membership. For more information about joining Argentum, please visit argentum.org/membership. Learn more at argentum.org.
Contact:
Patrick Connole
Manager, Media and Public Affairs
ARGENTUM | Expanding Senior Living
1650 King Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-599-7412 | [email protected]
