Governor Gregoire Announces $19.7 Million Federal Grant to Help People on the �Road to Independence�

For Immediate Release: January 15, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that the Washington Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) has received a $19.7 million, five-year grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The �Money Follows the Person� grant is for the �Roads to Independence� project of the DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration.

�By making community living a priority, Washington has become a leader in the nation in support of citizens as they begin to live independently in their own communities,� said Governor Gregoire. �We have made significant advances on behalf of these individuals and this federal grant will allow even more help to Washingtonians on the road to independent living.�

The grant supports a DSHS demonstration program that will help approximately 660 Washingtonians achieve their dreams of independent living. Potential candidates for the project include older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with physical disabilities and individuals with mental illness who need extra services and support to move from institutions into the community.

The project includes partnerships with the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, local housing authorities, the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division of Mental Health, the Developmental Disabilities Council, Tribal Nations, Area Agencies on Aging, the Aging Network and other advocacy groups.

In 1991, approximately 80% of Washington clients were served in institutional settings. By 2006, in a striking turnaround, 76% of Washingtonians receiving Medicaid long-term care services and 97% with a developmental disability were accessing care in their own homes or in community-based settings.

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