The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has received a Performance Improvement and Innovation grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living. The grant of $200,000 will be devoted to assist local APPRISE programmes in developing strategic approaches to enhance volunteer programmes.

The APPRISE programme is a free, objective Medicare and health insurance counseling programme available throughout Pennsylvania. More than 600 volunteers offer thousands of hours of their time to provide information on Medicare and related counseling to older Pennsylvanians.

The new grant will support the establishment of Statewide Volunteer Program Coaching Teams. The teams will be led by volunteers and will develop project plans to meet the needs in four regions and assist local APPRISE programmes in developing strategic approaches aimed at enhancing their volunteer counseling programmes.

Coaches will participate in training sessions, lead efforts to develop plans, work with audit teams, participate in monthly coaching calls and complete other responsibilities.  

"Volunteers are the foundation of the APPRISE programme, and this grant will allow us to continue to enhance and improve the program," Secretary of Aging Brian Duke said. "By utilizing volunteer coaches we hope to be able to reach out to additional older Pennsylvanians. I thank the volunteers working for the APPRISE programme for their dedication in helping others better understand their Medicare plans."

Older Pennsylvanians can benefit by tapping into the wealth of expertise and knowledge provided by the volunteers. Studies have also shown that individuals who engage in volunteer activities can experience positive health changes in their lives.

The 17-month grant will give the department's APPRISE programme an opportunity to create approaches through peer support that will be instrumental in enhancing the roles of APPRISE volunteers and helping the program respond to the insurance information and counseling needs of Pennsylvania's growing older adult population.