MDHHS invites public input on aging for new state plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2020    

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging and the Aging & Adult Services Agency are inviting the public to join community conversations throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adult residents.

Every three years the Aging & Adult Services Agency, which is part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, develops a state plan and seeks input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services. The feedback is used to ensure priorities are on track with its support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population.

The goal is to complete the new state plan by July 1.

The State Plan on Aging serves as a blueprint that outlines the coordination and advocacy activities undertaken to meet the needs of older adults, including integrating health and social services delivery systems.

“Michigan is one of the most rapidly aging states in the country,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of Aging & Adult Services Agency. “By 2025, the number of Michiganders age 65 and over will outnumber those under the age of 18. As people are living longer, we must be strategic, collaborative and innovative in our work. That means we need the opportunity to hear from the public about the realities of aging in Michigan and hope to have great participation in these community conversations.”

Dona Wishart, chair of the Commission on Services to the Aging, said public input is vital. “Whether you are an older adult, a caregiver, or someone working with older adults in a volunteer or professional capacity, we urge you to participate in these community conversations. Your feedback is imperative to ensuring the new state plan addresses the critical needs of older adults in our state.”

Community conversations will take place in 16 locations across the state:

• Northwest Activity Center, 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit, Jan. 29, noon-1:30 p.m.
• AgeWell Services, 560 Seminole Road, Norton Shores, Feb. 10, 1:30-3 p.m.
• Region 2 Area Agency on Aging, 102 N. Main St., Brooklyn, Feb. 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Eaton Area Senior Services, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, Feb. 19, noon-1:30 p.m.
• Barry County Senior Center, 320 Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, Feb. 20, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Kalkaska Commission on Aging, 303 S. Coral St., Kalkaska, Feb. 24,12:30-2 p.m.
• Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, Troy, Feb. 25,12:30-2 p.m.
• Alpena Senior Center, 501 River St., Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon
• Manistique Senior Center, 101 N. Main St., Manistique, Feb. 27, 1-2:30 p.m.
• St. Ann’s Senior Services, 690 E. Ninth St., Baldwin, March 2, 11:30-1 p.m.
• Midland Senior Services, 4700 Dublin Ave., Midland, March 3, noon-1:30 p.m.
• The Senior Alliance, Inc., 5454 Venoy Road, Wayne, March 4, 9:30-11 a.m.
• Portage Senior Center, 320 Library Lane, Portage, March 5, noon-1:30 p.m.
• Brennan Senior Center, 1301 Pingree Ave., Flint, March 10, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Rivers Enrichment Center, 1200 W. Broadway St., Three Rivers, March 11, 12:45-2:15 p.m.
• Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson St., Buchanan, March 17, 10:30-noon.

Anyone with interest or insight into the needs of older adults is invited to attend a local community conversation. Space is limited and organizers require RSVPs for planning purposes. Please RSVP to Kelly Cooper at 517-284-0182 or [email protected].

Visit the Aging & Adult Services Agency website – where the current state plan may be found – or Facebook page for more information. 

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