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About AAAA

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission’s Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging is the designated AAA for the region. AAA’s are tasked to use the flexibility granted under the Older American Act to ensure that local needs and preferences are taken into consideration and that the resulting local service delivery system is tailored to community needs.

MISSION

Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging supports successful aging in the Arrowhead.

VISION

Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging envisions a thriving Arrowhead for older adults!

VALUES

Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging values Inclusion, Flexibility, Kindness, Reliability, Transparency, Empathy, Communication, Patience.

AAAA Land Acknowledgment

What is an Area Agency on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were established under the Older Americans Act https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act  

(OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans 60 and older.  

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the 7 county Arrowhead Region including Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St Louis counties.  This role is determined by the Minnesota Board on Aging https://mn.gov/board-on-aging/ as part of the Federal Older American Act program and is intended to carry out a localized plan for long term services and supports customized for our region. This is ensured through the role of our Advisory Committee on Aging which provides local representation from each county in the Arrowhead. The Older American’s Act specifics four focus areas:  Administration, Development, Access, and Advocacy. 

AAAA operates under the following priorities

1. Administer

We administer funding to aging service providers in the Arrowhead, ensuring compliance with Federal guidelines.

2. Develop

We work towards bringing together consumers and providers of senior services interested in participating individually or working in teams on identified strategies.

3. Access

We provide a connection for older adults, giving them access to information and assistance. In addition, we help people successfully return home after a health event, give presentations in the community, and assist individuals, their families, and caregivers.

4. Advocate

We advocate for people 60 and over in our region to ensure the best possible outcomes for aging in the Arrowhead.

These priorities are reflected in our annual Area Plan which coincides with the Minnesota State Plan on Aging https://mn.gov/board-on-aging/state-plan-on-aging/ .   

In addition, and as part of our development strategy, AAAA is bringing other funding, partners, and programing into the region to support the aging services network. This includes our work with the Foundation Partners, National and State programs, and aging specific initiatives. Our work seeks to build capacity for the aging network in the Arrowhead.

We Are a Division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission

ARDC Info
ARDC Annual Report

Accessability Statement

We are committed to accessibility. If you have an accommodation request that will allow you to participate in the class more fully, please contact Dianne at dkiser@ardc.org or 218-529-7520 by
<48 business hours before event>.

Agency Diversity Statement

ARDC is committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees and of the communities we serve.

We are here for you

AAA’s are located all over Minnesota.