HelpAge International America (HAIA) is a proud member of HelpAge International, a global network which has been working since 1983 to improve the lives of disadvantaged older people. Today the network spans more than 70 affiliate organizations in 50 countries.

HAIA supports the programs and missions of the HelpAge International global network in addressing the challenges of aging in the developing world.

HelpAge International, in addition to its support for older persons in emergencies such as the Myanmar cyclone and the earthquake in China, has widespread programs to:

• Bring health services to older persons.
• Assist older persons in developing age appropriate  micro-businesses and farming techniques.
• Assist the increasingly large numbers of grandparents who care for their children and grandchildren as a result of HIV/AIDS.
• Build awareness of the value of basic pensions in countries that do not provide them.    

Myanmar – helping the forgotten

Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 3 May 2008. Winds of up to 150 miles per hour swept away homes and destroyed crops. The death toll is now feared to have reached over 100,000.

HelpAge International is working to bring relief to those affected by the cyclone in Myanmar.

HelpAge International is supporting the efforts of its local partner group, the YMCA,  to bring relief to those affected by the cyclone. Some 3,000 people have already been reached in three districts of the Ayarawaddy river delta.

We have helped set up community kitchens to provide cooked food and are distributing rice for those who are able to cook themselves. YMCA staff and volunteers are also providing health check-ups and basic medicines.

HelpAge International has been working with the YMCA in Myanmar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Social Affairs, for over five years to deliver homecare for vulnerable older people.

Support the work of HAIA

If you are in the USA and are interested in supporting HAIA's work for older people worldwide, please send checks made payable to HelpAge International America to:

HelpAge International America
225 Peeke
St Louis, Missouri
63122-2727

If you have any questions, please email haia@helpage.org

In strict conformance with IRS guidelines, HAIA does not accept contributions that are earmarked or required to be distributed to HelpAge International or any other organization.

While donors may suggest that their gifts be used for a specific purpose, these requests are non-binding on HAIA.  The Board of HAIA has complete discretion and control over the ultimate disposition of any contributions received by the organization.

Board members

HAIA's board members are:

Cheryl Cooper
COO of the National YWCA

Irene Hoskins
Chair of the International Federation on Aging

John Feather, PhD
CEO of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists

Horace Deets
Chair of HelpAge International America

Richard Blewitt*                              
Chief Executive of HelpAge International

Mark Gorman*
Director of Strategic Development, HelpAge International

Cynthia Cox Roman*                     
CEO of WIT Consulting LLC and member of HelpAge International Board              

(*officer of HelpAge International)