Lutheran Services in America Announces Partnership with NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis to Advance Rural Aging Solutions
July 7, 2025
July 7, 2025
July 3, 2025
May 23, 2025
Our strength as a trusted, community-centered national network comes not just from our size and scale, but from the intersections of our work where message, evidence, and action meet. Last week was a vivid example of that alignment as we launched the Here We Stand campaign, published a new issue brief, “Innovating Care Through Community Partnerships,” and hosted a Results Network convening with 50 leaders from across the country.
Together, these initiatives tell a story of collaboration, innovation, and a united, faith-based voice leading with purpose.
Medicaid is a cornerstone of our work and a lifeline for the people we serve in more than 1,400 communities nationwide. As policymakers at both the state and federal levels continue to debate the program’s future, Here We Stand gives voice to our shared values. It boldly affirms our unwavering commitment to the millions who rely on Medicaid and reflects our unique perspective as a network that works across the full spectrum of Medicaid stakeholders. This is more than messaging—it’s a public declaration of who we are and what we stand for.
That voice is rooted in real, on-the-ground innovation. Our new issue brief highlights how Lutheran Services in America members are transforming care by forging partnerships between Medicaid Managed Care and community-based organizations, showing how integration of behavioral health and non-medical services and supports are improving outcomes for children and families and strengthening communities. A future brief and forthcoming blueprint will spotlight similar innovation across the network including in aging services and the Disability Network.
These ideas don’t just live on paper. They come to life through our learning communities. From the Rural Aging Action Networks to the Disability Network and, just last week, the Results Network convening.
These aren’t parallel tracks—they are deeply connected. The message shapes the narrative. The evidence builds credibility. The convenings fuel collaboration, innovation, and momentum.
Together, they show what’s possible when we speak with one voice, ground our work in truth, and lead with courage and community. This is how change happens. This is how we light the way—united, unwavering, and filled with purpose.
Alesia Frerichs is the President & CEO of Lutheran Services in America.
April 21, 2025
Older adults who experience the loss of cognitive functioning are often more susceptible to social isolation. Loneliness can take an enormous toll on one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s a reality that pushes our network to focus on finding person-centered solutions that embrace new and innovative approaches to improve social engagement—and thus the quality of life—for older adults in memory care.
Through a continuing partnership with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, Lutheran Services in America launched a pilot program with our member organization Lyngblomsten in Minnesota to explore how artificial intelligence-powered robots can meaningfully engage older adults with memory loss. This work is an example of how our network is catalyzing innovation and collaboration for impact—one of our core strategies to advance health and opportunity for all.
A Robot That Cares
Over the past year, two memory care campuses in Anoka and Ramsey Counties welcomed Temi, the newest team member at Lyngblomsten. Temi navigates independently, engages older adults individually, and interacts with residents based on each person’s interests, which are collected through family intake questionnaires. From playing a favorite card game to guiding gentle exercises or offering reminiscence therapy through music, Temi adapts to meet older adults where they are, literally and emotionally.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. One resident calls Temi her go-to partner for a daily game of solitaire (no more shuffling required!). Another resident uses Temi as a walking companion who plays favorite hymns along the way and helps her stay physically active while bringing joy in her daily routine. Moreover, staff and family caregivers report seeing improved moods and stronger daily engagement.
“The robot has been embraced by staff, residents and family caregivers as part of the Lyngblomsten team in promoting person-centered care,” said Jeff Heinecke, president and CEO of Lyngblomsten.
What We’ve Learned
Originally intended for use across independent and assisted living settings, the pilot shifted focus exclusively to memory care residents after early results showed the greatest impact amongst this group. The robot’s ability to deliver consistent, individualized engagement, especially for those who may struggle to advocate for themselves, has become a valuable complement to staff-led activities.
Group sessions with Temi showed promise, with one-on-one interactions proving to be even more meaningful. With those results in mind, Lyngblomsten is now expanding implementation into community-based memory care programs, offering this powerful tool to older adults and families living outside of campus settings—people who might not otherwise have access to this opportunity.
“Our partnership with the CTA Foundation is a powerful force for good, uniting technology and innovation to expand support for older adults and family caregivers across the country,” said Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America.
Leading Together
We’re constantly evaluating how we can continue to innovate to better support older adults communities with quality care for underserved households. This pilot program allows us to collaborate with forward-thinking partners like the CTA Foundation and leverage new technologies like Temi the robot. Together with our member organizations, our network is reinventing what it means to redefine care.
In our past six years of partnership with the CTA Foundation, we have brought investment and visibility to the following projects:
Reach out to me to learn more about how we’re evaluating outcomes and what implementation could look like in your setting.
Ashley Washington is Senior Director of Aging Initiatives & Member Experience at Lutheran Services in America.
April 1, 2025
On March 27, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an extensive restructuring, including a reduction in workforce of about 10,000 full-time employees and a consolidation of their 28 divisions into 15 new divisions, one of which will be a new Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA. Regional offices will be reduced from 10 to five.
We are actively working to understand the implications of these major changes. Below is a summary of what we know to date. As we learn more specific details, we will update you, and please reach out to us with questions.
The restructuring includes the following actions:
At the same time, HHS is also “discontinuing” $12 billion in existing grants from SAMHSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that were being used for tracking infectious diseases, mental health services, addiction treatment and other urgent health issues, and which were originally allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically:
Much is unclear and unknown, but Lutheran Services in America is actively working to understand more about how these changes will impact our network and those we work with. Please reach out with any questions to Sue Polis, Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy, or Sarah Dobson, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy.
March 20, 2025
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