The St. David’s Foundation in Austin, Texas, has announced grants totaling $51 million in support of efforts to advance health equity in central Texas.

According to the foundation, adults over the age of 60 are the fastest-growing segment of the region’s population, and $13 million was awarded in support of thirty-seven organizations and initiatives working to assist aging adults, while $18 million was awarded to help safety-net clinics ensure access to quality health care for the uninsured and underinsured.

Recipients include AGE of Central Texas in support of a capital campaign to build a new adult day health center in South Austin, as well as funding in support of the organization’s core work; A Gift of Time to establish an adult day health center in Georgetown and support virtual programming for family caregivers and older adults living with dementia; Meals on Wheels of Central Texas In-Home Care in support of direct care for low-income older adults who need support with activities of daily living in order to safely age in place at home; and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, which will pursue policies that would increase base wages for in-home care attendants.

“We often say that aging is the great equalizer, because eventually we all experience some decline in physical and cognitive function. However, the manner in which people are able to manage these challenges is largely dependent on the resources that families may or may not have,” said St. David’s Foundation senior program officer Andrew Levack. “We are committed to funding local partners that make these essential resources more readily accessible to all aging seniors and those who care for them.”