Position Papers
OAGE Statement Regarding Recent Funding Cuts
As a result of the recent decision to reduce grant funding provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), The Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) encourages NIH to repeal their original plans. These funding cuts will have long-lasting negative impacts on all of the institutions in Ohio and across the country. An abundance of researchers and academic faculty members will be negatively impacted by these changes such that it will derail the advancement of gerontology research and education. As our country continues to age, the need for educators and researchers in the field continues to grow, however, these decisions will limit the ability to meet this need.
OAGE not only recognizes the importance of these grants in relation to the development of gerontological research and education, but these cuts will also have long lasting implications for the overall welfare of older adults. Gerontology researchers offer novel insights into the needs of older community members, which are utilized by practitioners to ensure that older adults are receiving quality care and services. Without this research, many older adults will suffer the consequences.
OAGE strongly encourages the administration to collaborate with researchers and institutions to determine a better path forward to ensure sustainability of these funding sources. OAGE will continue to advocate and support those impacted by these decisions, meanwhile we urge individuals to reach out to their local representatives to share the personal implications of these decisions.
OAGE also recognizes the recent proposal at the state level with the introduction of S.B. 1/H.B. 6. This legislation will completely undermine efforts to support students through the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. These bills will also impact the important teachings offered by faculty members seeking to recognize and address the history of discrimination. There are widespread implications to funding and scholarship for students and faculty members at institutions across the state.
Gerontological education and expertise are important. Our goals are to make Ohio the best place to learn (e.g., teach, conduct research, practice and other work); so that it may be the best place in the nation to age. Without a strong aging-related workforce, we will not have the educators, service providers and applied researchers to accomplish our goals. Legislation that discourages this productive engagement is counterproductive to everyone's well-being and lowers morale.
OAGE stands in solidarity with these institutions as we recognize the detrimental effects of this proposed legislation. We strongly encourage OAGE students, faculty, and other members at Ohio institutions to come together to act against this proposed legislation.
