Pennsylvania legislators are currently considering Governor Wolf’s proposal to merge four Pennsylvania human service agencies. The Governor would like to consolidate the current Departments of Aging (PDA), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Health (DOH), and Human Services (DHS) into a unified Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In recent weeks legislators have heard testimony […]
Consolidation Proposed for PA Human Services Agencies
Governor Tom Wolf is proposing that four Pennsylvania agencies be consolidated into a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The merger would involve the current Departments of Aging (PDA), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Health (DOH), and Human Services (DHS). According to a press release issued by the Governor’s office: Seniors will also […]
PA State Plan on Aging for 2016-2020
Every four years, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is required by both state and federal law to develop and submit a “State Plan on Aging” to the federal government. The Plan is required for Pennsylvania to receive federal funds under the Older Americans Act. The four year plan is intended to provide a vision […]
New Leaders Named for PA Aging Related Posts
In Harrisburg, new leaders have been named for agencies and legislative committees that deal with issues related to older adults. Here is a listing of some of the key positions. Agency Leaders Governor Tom Wolf has announced that he has chosen Teresa Osborne, who has been the executive director of the Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency […]
Senior Centers: More than Meals and Bingo
In 1965 Congress enacted the Older Americans Act (OAA) to support community social services for older persons. The OAA established the Administration on Aging and state aging agencies in each state. As a result, each community in Pennsylvania is now served by a local area agency on aging (AAA). Title III of the OAA provides […]
PA Long-Term Care Commission Public Meeting Dates and Locations
The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Commission is working on recommendations on how to improve the long-term care system in Pennsylvania. The commission has until Dec. 31, 2014 to submit a plan to the governor that will set priorities and guidelines to improve the current long-term care system. As part of the development of that plan, the […]
Senior Respite Program Legislation has Good Prospects for Enactment
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation (HB 1702) in support of senior respite services. The bill was introduced by Representative Chris Ross (R-158). HB 1702 was inspired by an assisted senior program that has been operated for over 20 years by the Kennett Area Senior Center. A similar program is in operation […]