DONIPHAN — Doniphan Nutrition Center Administrator Tina Sharp says she “was in disbelief” when she received reports at a conference for rural areas in Cape Girardeau May 15-16 indicating that funding for the center will be cut to approximately $37,000 beginning July 1.
The Older Americans Act Title III funded the Doniphan Nutrition Center (DNC) $66,000 in 2023 through a contract with AAA (Area Agency on Aging).
In addition to the Title III decrease, Missouri Medicaid reimbursements will be lowered at the same time to $5.59, from $5.75. The information has left Sharp to ponder where the funds will come from to assist local seniors who receive services at DNC.
Title III authorizes grants to the State of Missouri’s community programs, such as Aging Matters, that provide supportive services and nutrition services of home-delivered and congregate nutrition, disease prevention, and family caregiver services and support for adults aged 60 and older.
The decrease in funds is a result of the data collected from the 2020 census. The 2020 census took place during the COVID pandemic. Most households received an invitation to participate in the census in the mail that gave three options for people to respond, online, by phone or by mail. However, many citizens did not respond.
Sharp said, “Being a rural community the majority of those we serve do not have online services and it was especially concerning for adults over age 60 to leave their homes during COVID. We (DNC) remained open during COVID with three staff members and delivered meals to ensure that those that we serve had food available.”
The US Census data collected impacts the design and implementation of policies and laws in the government including health, housing, education, transportation, and environmental protection.
Sharp urges residents to complete and return the census to ensure that everyone in our community is represented.
According to Aging Matters Executive Director Lana Johnson, “The census is more important than people realize. The census aids in indicating to whom and to what areas services are needed.”
According to the data collected from the 2020 census compared to 2010, Ripley County lost 4,000 in population. The assumed decrease in the senior population coupled with a wait of three years for the data to be calculated, funds have been decreased.
“We have a shortfall in funding (almost half), yet we have not decreased the amount of meals we serve seniors,” stated Sharp.
The center currently serves 3,900 meals per month, says Sharp.
“Lana Johnson and the AAA staff are working tirelessly by helping the DNC as well as other nutrition centers to find funding to supplement the loss. They have encouraged the DNC to reach out to the community for help,” continued Sharp.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services which directly relates to community food and nutrition services, has been contacted in regard to the census and the OAA Title III shortfall.
See next week’s newspaper for plans for a follow up on fundraising.
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