National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a non-profit organization that supports the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network, which serves older adults and people with disabilities across the United States. The organization works closely with Administration for Community Living (ACL), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promote healthy aging and independent living. In collaboration with AARP, American Society on Aging (ASA), and National Council on Aging (NCOA), the organization advocates for policies and programs that benefit seniors and vulnerable populations.

● History

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging was established in 1974 to support the growing network of Area Agency on Aging (AAA) organizations, which were created under the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. The organization's early work focused on building the capacity of AAAs to provide services and support to older adults and people with disabilities. Over the years, the organization has worked with Congress, White House, and federal agencies such as Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to shape policies and programs that benefit seniors and vulnerable populations. The organization has also collaborated with private sector partners, including Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), American Medical Association (AMA), and American Hospital Association (AHA), to promote healthy aging and independent living.

● Organization

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a staff of policy analysts, program managers, and communications specialists who work to support the AAA network. The organization is governed by a board of directors composed of leaders from AAAs across the country, including California Department of Aging (CDA), New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA). The organization also has a number of committees and workgroups that focus on specific issues, such as health care reform, long-term care, and transportation, and work with organizations like American Public Transportation Association (APTA), National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), and National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD).

● Membership

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging has a membership of over 600 AAAs across the United States, including Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA), Hawaii Executive Office on Aging (EOA), and Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). These organizations serve millions of older adults and people with disabilities each year, providing services such as meal delivery, transportation, and case management. The organization also has a number of affiliate members, including organizations that provide services and support to seniors and vulnerable populations, such as Meals on Wheels America (MOWA), National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), and Elder Justice Coalition (EJC).

● Advocacy

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a strong advocate for policies and programs that benefit seniors and vulnerable populations. The organization works closely with Congress, White House, and federal agencies such as Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to shape policies and programs that promote healthy aging and independent living. The organization has also collaborated with private sector partners, including Aetna, UnitedHealth Group, and Kaiser Permanente, to promote health care reform and long-term care reform. In addition, the organization works with organizations like National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) to advocate for social security and medicare reform.

● Programs_and_Services

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging provides a number of programs and services to support the AAA network, including technical assistance, training, and resources on topics such as health care reform, long-term care, and transportation. The organization also provides funding opportunities for AAAs to support innovative programs and services that benefit seniors and vulnerable populations. In collaboration with organizations like National Institute on Aging (NIA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the organization promotes evidence-based programs and services that improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is led by a chief executive officer (CEO) who is responsible for overseeing the organization's operations and strategic direction. The organization's board of directors is composed of leaders from AAAs across the country, including Iowa Department on Aging (IDA), Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA), and Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). The board provides oversight and guidance to the organization, and works to ensure that the organization is meeting its mission and goals. The organization also has a number of committees and workgroups that focus on specific issues, such as health care reform, long-term care, and transportation, and work with organizations like National Association of County Health Officials (NACCHO), National League of Cities (NLC), and United States Conference of Mayors (USCM).

Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.