South Area People First

Barbara with Larry and Daniel at the conference

Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid Services Millions of people with disabilities rely on these critical services. Act now to help protect them!

Nine States, A Defining Civil Right: Here’s How Chapters Are Fighting Back Nine states back Texas v. Kennedy, a lawsuit that could weaken Section 504 and the right for people with disabilities to live in the community. See how The Arc's chapters are fighting back.

The Trump Administration Aims to Penalize Disabled Adults Who Live With Their Families A rule change pushed by White House officials would slash benefits or end support for as many as 400,000 Supplemental Security Income recipients with Down syndrome, dementia and other disabilities whose parents or relatives receive SNAP benefits.

Congratulations to Jemel Williams, Sergeant-at-Arms for CASA and artist with Southside Art Center. Jemel has been selected to participate in "Journey of Hope." "Journey of Hope" is an annual event coordinated by Stop Stigma Sacramento, which works to reduce stigma and discrimination around mental illness For "Journey of Hope," Jemel will collaborate with a writer and create a painting based on the writer's story. There will be an exhibit later in the year. Here's the website for more information, and you can see artwork (including Jemel's!) from the 2024 exhibit :

Journey of Hope – Stop Stigma Sacramento This program is funded by the Division of Behavioral Health Services through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). ©County of Sacramento :: All Rights Reserved :: Privacy Policy :: Website by Position Interactive

From Disability Scoop

“Family and friends provide billions of hours of mostly unpaid care for adults with disabilities and complex medical conditions across the U.S. A new report finds that the value of such care tops all Medicaid spending.

There are an estimated 59 million family caregivers providing 49.5 billion hours of care over the course of a year, according to findings from a report released recently by AARP.

Researchers assessed the value of this care at current market rates. On average, they found that caregivers earn $20.41 per hour, putting the total value of the work provided by family caregivers at $1.01 trillion.

That figure is more than all federal, state and local governments spent on Medicaid in 2024, the report notes. It’s also more than private businesses spent on health care that year.

“This new report confirms what we have long known. Family caregivers are holding up a system that Americans nationwide rely on every day, but at a cost,” said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP. “Behind these numbers are people paying an emotional toll and a financial one. Caregivers are stretching their finances, sacrificing their own well-being, and too often, they are doing it alone.”

The report notes that most long-term services and supports in the U.S. are provided by family caregivers, almost entirely unpaid. This can include everything from tasks of daily living like dressing, toileting and transportation to complicated medical and nursing tasks and coordinating medical and social services.

The value of family caregiving has grown almost three-fold since AARP began tracking it in 2006, the report shows, largely due to increased pay in the field.

AARP is pushing for a national paid family and medical leave policy, more respite services and tax credits to help caregivers.

“Given that most Americans will either be a caregiver or need one at some point in their lives, we need to do better,” Minter-Jordan said. “Today’s report should be a wake-up call.”