Congressman Bishop provides funds for the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers

On Monday afternoon Congressman Sanford Bishop made a stop at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus.

He presented a 1.1 million dollar check to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

As Bishop helped to craft the annual federal funding bill, he specifically included direct funding to the Rosalynn Carter Institute as he said caregiving has continuously increased as a major value to society.

Rosalynn Carter's passion for caregiving has been legendary, as Bishop explained how it dates back to when she cared for her own terminally ill father.

Caregiving for family members was a major part of her life, as it taught Carter the highs and lows as well as the dedication caregiving requires, as Bishop explained.

Bishop credited Carter's support for helping this institution become a nation leading resource in improving the quality of care in this community.

The CEO of the Rosalynn Carter Institute, Jennifer Olsen explained how in over 35 years of work there are more questions than answers when it comes to what caregivers need.

Due to the pandemic, Bishop said that the number of people who have provided unpaid caregiving to another adult has steadily increased.

Olsen saw this check as validation, as she said there has been a need to make an investment in data for the nations 53 million caregivers.

The check will enable the institute to build out a caregiver data platform.

Bishop said the purpose will be for the institute to be able to identify the best practices, provide comprehensive training, and develop a virtual caregiving assistance platform.

The effect of this will be felt throughout the country, as Bishop said he looks forward to being able to see the progress made in continuing the improvement of caregiving quality.

"We see this as the opening of our next phase of work that will inform and touch the lives of millions of Americans," expressed Olsen.