FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2025
Contact: Bethany Coulter, bcoulter@usaging.org and 202.872.0888

CHICAGO, IL—Today, USAging proudly honored 41 groundbreaking programs developed by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that are transforming the lives of older adults across the country. These exceptional initiatives were recognized with the 2025 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards during USAging’s milestone 50th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Chicago, IL.
 
Supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, this prestigious awards program celebrates USAging members who are driving innovation through effective, replicable solutions that support aging well in community—while also demonstrating excellence in program design and management.
 
“At USAging, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the 2025 Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients—especially as we mark the 50th anniversary of USAging and our Annual Conference and Tradeshow,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “These award-winning programs exemplify the creativity, dedication and impact that define our Aging Network. They are not only improving the lives of older adults and caregivers today, but also shaping a stronger, more supportive future for aging in every community across the country.”
 
Michael Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, remarked, “As caregiver needs grow and the aging population expands, it’s never been more important to uplift the local organizations doing the hard work every day. The AIA Award winners exemplify the kind of innovation and community-based solutions that help families manage care with confidence, clarity, and connection. At Caregiving.com, we’re proud to stand alongside agencies building stronger systems of care, focused on the people delivering care, not just those receiving it.”
 
“It’s always an honor for Cumulus to support the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards program. Working with users in over 40 states reminds us daily that successful health outcomes depend on long-term services and supports and home and community-based services,” said John Byer, CEO, Cumulus.care. “These essential services thrive thanks to the dedication of Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs. We’re proud to help spotlight the innovative efforts of this year’s award winners. Congratulations!”

USAging presented 26 Aging Achievement Awards and 15 Aging Innovations Awards to programs in a variety of areas, including advocacy, agency operations, caregiving, community planning and livable communities, economic security, elder abuse prevention, healthy aging, health–social care integration, home and community-based services, housing and homelessness, information and referral/assistance, intergenerational programs, nutrition, social engagement, technology, and workforce development and volunteerism. Descriptions of all 41 award-winning programs can be found in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase.
 
The following four programs were the highest-scoring Innovations winners and received monetary awards: 
 
First Place: Breaking Barriers: Expanding Behavioral Health Access for Aging Adults
Agency: Region IV Area Agency on Aging, St. Joseph, MI
Category: Healthy Aging
Description: Region IV Area Agency on Aging (RIVAAA) launched a sustainable, in-home behavioral health counseling program to address the shortage of accessible mental health services for older adults and caregivers. Unlike traditional grant-funded models, RIVAAA became a Medicare provider and secured credentialing with health plans to support long-term funding. Licensed clinical social workers offer culturally competent counseling for depression, anxiety, grief and substance use disorder, coordinated with patients’ primary care providers. Services are available to anyone, regardless of participation in other RIVAAA programs, and psychiatry consultations will soon be added.
 
Second Place: Demystifying Long-Term Care
Agency: Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging, Olympia, WA
Category: Information and Referral/Assistance
Description: Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) developed interactive outreach games to educate the public about long-term-care (LTC) services and payment options in a fun, engaging way. Using a jar of chia seeds and a three-panel display board, LMTAAA’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection team invites event visitors to guess the number of seeds—2,000—representing the asset limit for Medicaid eligibility. This surprising fact sparks conversations, leading into a matching game where participants connect LTC services with potential payment sources. The activity helps clarify differences between Medicaid health and LTC, private and public LTC insurance, Medicare and short-term disability, allowing LMTAAA to deliver personalized education in both rural and urban communities.
 
Tied for Third Place: DISH Dining Clubs
Agency: Area Agency on Aging 3, Lima, OH
Category: Nutrition
Description: The Dining to Improve Socialization & Health (DISH) program from Area Agency on Aging 3 (AAA3) offers older adults a flexible, community-based alternative to traditional congregate meal sites. In partnership with more than 30 local restaurants, senior centers and culinary programs, DISH provides participants with a preloaded card offering four meals per month. This model not only addresses food insecurity but also fosters connection and engagement. AAA3 also created DISH Dining Clubs, which bring participants together for meals, guest speakers and resource sharing—encouraging socialization, building community and increasing awareness of local support services.
 
Tied for Third Place: The Next Chapter
Agency: Tooele County Health Department Aging Services, Tooele, UT
Category: Social Engagement
Description: The Next Chapter, a program by Tooele County Aging Services, provides essential social support and education for widows and widowers coping with the loss of a spouse. Through monthly gatherings, participants come together to grieve, connect and find purpose as they navigate this life transition. What sets the program apart is its participant-driven model—attendees shape each session based on their needs and interests, creating a space that is both meaningful and relevant. Topics range from financial planning and self-care to new hobbies and community resources, all aimed at helping individuals move forward with support and connection.

# # #