PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Agency on Aging will hold public hearings next week on its 2020-2024 Area Plan on Aging draft document.
The public is encouraged to attend public hearings virtually through online meetings on Monday, June 22 from 10-11 a.m. or Tuesday, June 23 from 3-4 p.m. If you would like to attend, please contact the agency to receive an electronic meeting link.
The plan, a requirement of the Older Americans Act (OAA), identifies the needs of older people in The County and how the agency plans to help address those needs over the next four years. Ideas and comments on the draft plan are welcome and will help the agency to formulate the final document.
The plan must be approved by the State of Maine, Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services. Once approved, the plan serves as the basis for planning, development and evaluation of programs, services, and advocacy efforts offered through the OAA locally.
Congress passed the Act in 1965 in response to concern by policymakers about a lack of community social services for older persons. Although older individuals may receive services under many other federal programs, today the OAA is the major vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services to this group and their caregivers. It authorizes a wide array of service programs through a national network of 56 state agencies on aging, 629 area agencies on aging, nearly 20,000 service providers, 244 Tribal organizations, and two Native Hawaiian organizations representing 400 Tribes.
A copy of the draft plan is now available; it can be accessed at www.aroostookaging.org. It can be also be requested by phone at 764-3396 or 1-800-439-1789, or by writing to the Agency at PO Box 1288, Presque Isle, ME 04769-1288. Written comments on the plan must be received by 9 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2020, and can be mailed to the Agency or emailed to joy.b.saucier@aroostookaging.org.
