Washington, DC (September 17, 2012)
The Arc of the United States recently launched the new HealthMeet™ project, funded through a three year, million-dollar cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HealthMeet™ aims to improve the health of people with intellectual disability through trainings for medical students and health professionals, free community-based health assessments for individuals with intellectual disability, data collection and analysis including longitudinal health outcomes for people with intellectual disability, comprehensive information and referral, and a public awareness campaign. The project will use innovative strategies and cutting edge technology to help reduce some of the most serious health disparities people with ID face. During this pilot year activities will take place in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and the San Francisco region of California.
“AAIDD is pleased to join The Arc, its chapters, and our national partners in contributing to the success of HealthMeet™. We believe this initiative will improve the quality of health care provided to people with intellectual disability through its focus on specialized training of health care professionals and that it will ultimately have a direct impact on the overall health of people with intellectual disability. We look forward to collaborating on this systems-change effort in health care access.” said Dr. Margaret Nygren, Executive Director & CEO of AAIDD.
In this first year, AAIDD will collaborate with The Arc as a valued member of the HealthMeet™ National Advisory Committee, help increase awareness of screening opportunities, advance relationships at the state and local levels, and disseminate key information about health promotion to its member network. This is a key role for AAIDD to play in addressing health issues for people with intellectual disability of all ages.
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Founded in 1876, AAIDD is the oldest professional association concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD advocates for the equality, dignity, and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and for their full inclusion and participation in society. Learn more about AAIDD at
www.aaidd.org.