Activities of the H-GAC AAA are guided by the 27 member Aging Program Advisory Committee (APAC). Appointed by the H-GAC Board of Directors, APAC members represent older persons (60+), service providers and concerned citizens from the 12-county area. The APAC has five subcommittees.
The APAC helps the Area Agency on Aging develop and administer the Area Plan, conduct public hearings and review and comment on all community policies, programs and actions which affect older people.
The APAC is the key link between the community and the AAA, and it can communicate the needs and concerns of older citizens by
- making presentations at local and State legislative hearings or meetings;
- meeting with local elected officials to acquaint them with the needs of the elderly within their respective jurisdictions;
- putting older persons in direct touch with available services in the community;
- working with older persons through coalitions, community forums, silver-haired legislators, club meetings, church groups, etc., to promote their interests;
- supporting the efforts of the AAA to enhance the statewide long-term care ombudsman program;
- stimulating needed changes to services delivered within the area