Critical Assistance

Critical Assistance - Fan Care
LOA provides fans, and occasionally air conditioners, for persons age 60 or older during the annual Fan Care program. Some of the fans are purchased through financial support from American Electric Power and Virginia Electric Power.

Seniors interested in receiving fans from the "Fan Care" program can call the LOA central office for more information at 540-345-0451. LOA starts accepting applications for the program in mid-May. To be eligible for Fan Care persons must meet the following criteria:

Live in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Botetourt County, City of Salem, Craig County, City of Covington or Alleghany County
Be 60 years of age or older,
Have a need for cooling assistance,
Meet monthly income guidelines

The Cooling Assistance Program, which provides air conditioners to elderly with medical conditions requiring cooling assistance, begins accepting applications in mid-June. Persons must meet the requirements for Fan Care.

Community support helps LOA meet all of the needs of those who qualify for help from Fan Care. LOA accepts donations of NEW fans and air conditioners, or cash donations to purchase additional new fans.

If you would like to donate: Make checks payable to LOA Cooling Assistance and send to P.O. Box 14205, Roanoke, VA 24038-4205. Donations are tax deductible.

Heat waves can be dangerous to the well-being of elderly who have heart and/or respiratory conditions. During extreme heat, LOA recommends that elderly remain indoors, drink plenty of fluids, seek cooler surroundings (such as the library, shopping malls, etc.), wear looser, lightweight clothing, and only participate in outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening.

Annually, nearly 300 people receive assistance via provision of a fan or air conditioner from LOA's senior services. Volunteers assist LOA by delivering fans to elderly recipients. Fan Care is a state wide program coordinated by the Virginia Department for the Aging and local area agencies on aging. Locally it is also sponsored by American Electric Power and Virginia Power.

Please contact us if you have questions about Fan Care at (540) 345-0451.