Josefina Carbonell, senior vice president for Long-Term Care and Nutrition at Independent Living Systems (ILS), has been selected to be inducted into the National Hispanic Council on Aging’s (NHCOA) “Hall of Fame.” The Hall of Fame Award was created to honor those whose efforts promote the dignity and well-being of older adults. The Hall of Fame induction recognizes Ms. Carbonell’s commitment to advocating on behalf of the elderly for community-based long-term care services.
“I have enjoyed a fulfilling career dedicated to my true passion in life – serving the needs of the elderly and disabled,” said Carbonell. “Being recognized by NHCOA and inducted into the national ‘Hall of Fame’ is a true honor. I am proud to receive this honor from the NHCOA, the nation’s premier organization focused on improving the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families and caregivers. The work and leadership of NHCOA in advocating for the needs and interests of the aging and disabled community requires collaboration between government, private industry, health and long-term care academia, Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) providers and many families in communities across this country. Due to the millions of ‘adultos mayores y sus familias’ that NHCOA and their community partners touch every day, I humbly accept this recognition. I will continue to seek new and innovative ways to promote collaboration between all parties interested in advancing the quality of life for older adults and their families.”
From 2001 to 2009, Carbonell served as the Assistant Secretary of Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During her tenure, as Assistant Secretary of Aging, Carbonell directed the operations of a $4.1 billion budget for federal grant programs that supported community-based long-term care services for the elderly through the Older Americans Act Programs and the HCBS Medicaid Waivers. As co-lead for the implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act and Part D benefits, Carbonell was lovingly nicknamed “Sra. Medicare.” Serving as a principal advocate for the “rebalancing” efforts under Medicaid, she developed expanded policies through the “Choices for Independence Initiatives” working in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create better choices for persons with disabilities of all ages to live independently at home and in their communities. Prior to serving in the Bush Administration, Carbonell served as CEO of the Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Centers of Dade County (Florida) Inc., one of the nation’s largest aging, health and nutrition services community-based organizations geared toward the geriatric Hispanic community.
I am proud to receive this honor from the NHCOA, the nation’s premier organization focused on improving the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families and caregivers.
-JOSEFINA CARBONELL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR LONG-TERM CARE AND NUTRITION