WASHINGTON, D.C.--AAHSA recognizes and fully supports President Bush’s focus on domestic and international security in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Obviously those events changed our national priorities, and we must be cognizant of this reality.

We are encouraged that in the midst of the president’s discussion of fighting terrorism and ending the recession, he recognizes that “economic security can vanish in an instant without health security.” The President called for the enactment of legislation “to give seniors a sound and modern Medicare system that includes coverage for prescription drugs.”

These initiatives reflect the Administration’s understanding that seniors’ unmet needs for improved health care, community services and affordable housing are substantial and growing. With the first of 77 million baby boomers reaching age 65 in just nine years, we must continue pushing for the realization of a healthy, affordable and ethical system of long-term care.

AAHSA and its members--not-for-profit facilities and services for the aging--will continue to work intensively with the Bush Administration and with members of Congress on the achievement of this goal.

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The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) is committed to advancing the vision of healthy, affordable, ethical long-term care for America. The association represents 5,600 mission-driven, not-for-profit nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and senior housing facilities, and community service organizations. Every day, AAHSA’s members serve one million older persons across the country.