Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/andrea-palm.html
Alison Barkoff, the senior official performing the duties of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, announced her departure from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in early October.
Barkoff joined ACL on the first day of the Biden-Harris Administration. Under her leadership, ACL has collaborated with disability and aging advocates and federal partners to enhance protections for the civil rights of people with disabilities and older adults, improving access to essential services that support their health and independence.
ACL has played a significant role in increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatment for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The organization ensured that these populations' unique needs were integrated into HHS’ disaster planning and response. Additionally, ACL issued new regulations for its Older Americans Act programs and Adult Protective Services nationwide. It also partnered with other HHS agencies to establish robust regulations preventing disability discrimination in health services while expanding access to Medicaid-funded home and community-based services.
“We owe Alison Barkoff immense thanks for her fierce and uncompromising advocacy for the rights of Americans with disabilities and older adults,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “While Alison was leading ACL, we have delivered on our promise to help every American, regardless of age or disability, live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. Alison embodies the Biden-Harris Administration’s relentless pursuit of fairness and inclusion for every American regardless of their station in life. We congratulate and wish her the best on her continued mission to help Americans achieve their own pursuit of happiness.”
During her tenure, Barkoff focused on building partnerships addressing complex issues impacting community living. To advance care infrastructure priorities, ACL collaborated across federal government sectors to develop a National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers and launch the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center. Other initiatives included creating a Housing and Services Resource Center to increase access to affordable housing; establishing an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging; creating Age-Friendly Communities; improving behavioral health care access; supporting people with disabilities; and aiding older adults.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Administration for Community Living,” said Barkoff. “Thanks to their dedication and hard work, the support of the Biden-Harris Administration and HHS leadership, we have made substantial progress on issues important to people with disabilities and older adults. ACL’s mission is my own life’s mission, I am looking forward to building upon our work together in my new role.”
Barkoff will join George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health as Harold & Jane Hirsh Associate Professor of Health Law & Policy Director at Hirsh Health Law & Policy Program.
