48 Million; Ranks rising by 66,000 Daily

December 5, 2023

THE CREATIVE COALITION GALVINIZES ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY COMMISSION TO SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON 48 MILLION UNSUNG AMERICAN HEROES WHO ACT AS FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Los Angeles, CA (December 5, 2023): It’s an upheaval affecting American families across demographics — family caregivers now number more than 48 million in the United States, with ranks rising daily by 66,000. The Creative Coalition, the premier nonprofit organization that brings the power of arts and entertainment to positively impact the nation’s most pressing social welfare issues, launches today the Entertainment Industry Commission on Caregiving in collaboration with AARP.  This groundbreaking initiative aims to shed light on the challenges faced by millions of family caregivers and raise awareness about their pivotal role in society.

With a status quo where one in five Americans serves as a family caregiver, the Entertainment Industry Commission on Caregiving seeks to address the isolation and lack of support experienced by these unsung heroes. By leveraging the power of the media, the Commission will educate the public, advocate for better services and solutions, and foster compassion for caregivers.

The Commission, chaired by Emmy-nominated actor Yvette Nicole Brown (“A Black Lady Sketch Show”), includes a cross-section of entertainment industry talent, creatives, and executives who will play a vital role in advocating for caregivers. Through various channels, they will raise awareness and promote authentic caregiving stories for television, film, and other media. Additionally, they will collaborate with caregiving organizations and individuals, offering guidance and mentorship to increase caregiving content within the entertainment industry.

Members of the Commission include President of The Creative Coalition and Emmy-nominee Tim Daly (actor, “Madam Secretary”), Patrick J. Adams (actor, “Suits”), Zibby Allen (actor, “Virgin River”), Diedrich Bader (actor, “Lucky Hank”), Troian Bellisario (actor, “Pretty Little Liars”), Emmy-nominee Amy Brenneman (actor, “The Old Man”), Simran Baidwan (executive producer, “Manifest”), Fernando Carsa (actor, “Acapulco”), Karen David (actor, “Fear the Walking Dead”), Spencer Garrett (actor, “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers”), Lindsay Goffman (executive producer, “The Company You Keep”), Mark Goffman (executive producer, “The Irrational”),  Emmy Award-winner Marg Helgenberger (actor, “CSI: Vegas,” “The Irrational”), Dulé Hill (actor, “The Wonder Years”), Zac Hug (writer, “Ghosts of Christmas Always”), Tianna Majumdar-Langham (producer/writer, “The Resident”), Katherine McNamara (actor, “Walker Independence”),  Emmy-nominee Rob Morrow (actor, “Billions”), Rob O’Neill (SVP, Paramount Media Networks), Emmy Award-winner Tony Phelan (executive producer, “Fire Country”), Jordan Rosenberg (writer/producer, “Elementary,” “Scream: the TV Series”), Jeffrey Ross (comedian, “Comedy Central Roasts”), Dulcy Rogers (actor, “Frasier”) Stacy Rukeyser (executive producer, “Sex/Life”), Emmy-nominee Jessica Sharzer (“Nine Perfect Strangers”), Jazmyn Simon (actor, “Raising Dion”), Karyn Smith-Forge (President, The Radical Act Productions), Travina Springer (actor, “The Irrational”), and Tramell Tillman (actor, “Severance”), among others.

Yvette Nicole Brown said, “As a caregiver for my own father, I know what it’s like to feel that I am facing this challenge alone. What excites me about this Commission is that we have an opportunity to give voice to millions of Americans, like myself, who are facing the overwhelming task of being a family caregiver. I’m honored to stand with The Creative Coalition for this essential cause.”

Tim Daly said, “Family caregiving is an often overlooked and underappreciated issue. Through The Creative Coalition’s Entertainment Industry Commission on Caregiving, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of family caregivers ensuring their stories are heard, their struggles are acknowledged, and their invaluable contributions are celebrated. Together, we hope to create a society that values and supports caregivers, providing them with the recognition and resources they deserve.”

“Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system, providing an estimated $600 billion in unpaid care each year, but their backs are breaking,” said AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. “The Entertainment Industry Commission on Caregiving will help raise recognition and support for this invisible army of 48 million caregivers who have long labored in obscurity.”

Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition, said, “The importance of bringing the work of caregivers out of the shadows and spotlighting them through shared stories cannot be overstated. We have deep gratitude to the Commission members for their dedication to this cause. We are proud to collaborate with AARP to use the power of the arts to educate, motivate and activate the American public behind this issue.”

About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition also creates award-winning public service campaigns including #RightToBearArts to promote the efficacy of the arts. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President. For more information, visit https://thecreativecoalition.org.

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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Shedding Light – Resources for Content Creators To Raise Awareness

The Creative Coalition’s Entertainment Industry Commission on Caregiving Members