Congressman Bishop presents “big check” to the Rosalynn Carter Institute
Congressman Bishop presents "big check" to the Rosalynn Carter Institute
AMERICUS, GA – Congressman Sanford Bishop was in Americus this morning to announce a massive grant for the Rosalynn Carter Institute.
CBS 44’s Brian Roche tells us what the grant entails for the Georgia Southwestern University school.
Under the watch of the former First Lady, Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District Representative, Sanford Bishop gave the Rosalynn Carter Institute a government grant of over one million dollars.
“We’re so grateful for all that they’ve done over the last 35 years. They’ve done so much for so many families for such a long time. These resources will help to extend and expand their efforts. And, particularly in the area of Alzheimer’s,” said Congressman Bishop.
The grant total nearly matches the same amount Congress allotted to the center a year ago, giving what institute leaders are calling a breath of fresh air in a position that could fall to just about anyone.
“It enables us to provide the caregiver training and education to individuals who are caring for someone with dementia, especially in the state of Georgia. This grant is focused on increasing our ability to reach diverse audiences,” said Dr. Jennifer Olsen, CEO, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.
It can’t be stated enough about the Rosalynn Carter Institute about the need for caregivers.
And, with this latest grant they’re hoping they can continue to build up the next generation, especially as the need for caregivers goes beyond those who may be suffering from something like Alzheimer’s.
“I think it’s critical… people often think of caregivers themselves as older people who are caring for someone else whose older, that the typical image we get. But, nearly a quarter of millennials are in a caregiver role for someone who is ill, aging or disabled. And, so, if we don’t start to educate people now about the impacts of caregiving on their physical and mental health, we have concerns that those individuals will be in need of care,” said Dr. Olsen.
“Connecting them with resources. Connecting them with training and with the expertise goes a long way to relieving the strain, the emotional strain, and the financial strain that they’re faced with,” said Congressman Bishop.
As they continue to reach out and build that next generation of caregivers, they’re following the example that former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter set decades ago.
The Rosalynn Carter Institute received a 1.1 million dollar grant last year.
Brian Roche reporting.
