The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living and Supports is inviting the public to join community conversations online and throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adults.

MDHHS is seeking input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services that affect quality of life for older residents. MDHHS will use information gathered during the community conversations and from survey responses to identify priorities for the department in support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population. A draft plan goes before the state’s Commission on Services to the Aging for approval before being submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living by July 1 for implementation during fiscal years 2023-2026.

“The needs assessment that is underway will provide MDHHS and partners with important information for the development of Michigan’s next three-year State Plan on Aging,” said Farah Hanley, chief deputy director for health. “We welcome input as the voices of Michigan’s older adults are critical to the plan and their input will provide valuable insights into the priorities and needs of this growing segment of our population.”

State units on aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act with developing and administering a multi-year State Plan on Aging that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families and caregivers in their states. The plan serves as a blueprint outlining coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults and for building capacity for long-term care efforts in the state.

Anyone interested in providing information on the needs of older adults is invited to participate in a community conversation or complete a survey. The community conversations are January and February at various locations across the state and in four separate online forums.

For in-person gatherings, appropriate health and safety precautions will be taken. Survey questionnaires will be available online and in paper form in English, Spanish and Arabic.

For a current list of community conversation locations, dates, and times, or to access the survey, go to the Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration webpage. This site will also be used to communicate cancelation information and updates.

Community Conversation Locations and RSVP contacts

• Jan. 17, 11 a.m., Region 2 AAA, 102 N. Main St. Brooklyn, 517- 592-1974
• Jan. 18, 12:15 p.m. Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St., Holt, 517-694-1549
• Jan. 30, 10 a.m., Alger County Commission on Aging, 1604 Sand Point Road, Munising, 906-387-2439
• Jan. 30, 2:00 p.m. (tentative time), Negaunee Senior Center, 410 Jackson St., Negaunee, 906-475-6266
• Jan. 31, 12:15 p.m., Kalkaska County Commission on Aging, 303 S. Coral St., Kalkaska, 231-258-5030
• Feb. 1, 11 a.m., Oceana County Council on Aging, 4250 W. Tyler Road, Hart, 231-873-4461, extension 102
• Feb. 2, 10:30 a.m., Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph, 269- 983-0177
• Feb. 3, 11 a.m., Woodhaven Senior Center, 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven, 734-675-4926
• Feb. 8, 1:45 pm, Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, 15885 Michigan Ave., Marshall, 269-441-0930
• Feb. 13, 1 p.m., Crawford County Commission on Aging and Senior Center, 308 Lawndale St., Grayling, 989-348-7123
• Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m., Robert Bowens Senior Center, 52 Bagley St., Pontiac, 248-758-3240

Space is limited and organizers require RSVPs for planning purposes. Please RSVP to the locations listed online or by calling Tammy Lemmer at 517-230-9707. Lemmer is also available to answer questions about the needs assessment or plan development efforts.