Consumer Advocacy
Health Promotion & Other Initiatives

The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services performs a number of roles in promotion of the interests and involvement of older adults in public policymaking and community affairs. Here are some of the major areas:

Advocacy

The Division assists a variety of consumer-based advisory and advocacy organizations and groups with information, education, and logistical support in their role as advocates for successful aging. This includes the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, and the North Carolina Coalition on Aging. The Division is committed to ensuring that the voices of older North Carolinians are shared with our State’s decision-makers for the purpose of enhancing the resources, services and opportunities available to all older adults and their families. The following topics relate to the Division’s work in this area:

Advocacy Groups and Trade Associations

Legislation and Public Policy

Consumer Education

Among the most important functions of the Division are education of consumers and response to their requests for information and assistance. This is a role assumed by all staff members of the Division. Some related topics include:

Complaints	Consumer Education	Family Dynamics and Aging
Frequently Asked Questions	Information and Referral

Disaster Preparedness

The Division of Aging and Adult Services has a leadership role in helping the state’s Aging Network of Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to plan and prepare for possible disasters and emergency situations. The importance of this role was tested and demonstrated with the occurrence of major hurricanes and tornadoes. Nancy Evans has primary responsibility for coordinating the Division’s efforts in disaster preparedness.

Health Promotion

The Division of Aging and Adult Services administers funds to support a variety of health promotion initiatives. It also works closely with other agencies and organizations with interests and responsibilities for wellness programs and vaccinations for seniors. This includes the Division’s sponsorship of North Carolina Senior Games. Audrey Edmisten is responsible for much of the Division’s work in this area.

Intergenerational and Volunteer Development

The Division of Aging and Adult Services views its support in development of intergenerational and volunteer initiatives as vital to the interests and needs of the State and all of its citizens.

Public Relations

The Division of Aging and Adult Services uses a variety of means to inform consumers, service professionals, policymakers, advocates, and the general public of important issues, programs and events. The Division also strives to recognize publicly the contributions of people who make special contributions in aging in North Carolina. These means include this web site, the Division’s newsletter, news releases, special reports, and other publications, conferences and special events. Dennis Streets is the Division’s Public Information Coordinator. Some related topics include:

Aging Awards

Calendar of Events

Publications

State Aging Conference

Special Grants and Initiatives

The Division of Aging and Adult Services seeks and administers funding for special initiatives designed to address specific needs of the older population and to enhance service delivery. For example, efforts have been underway for over a decade to expand supportive services to persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families. Gary Cyrus is the Division's general contact for such special grants and contracts.

Date last modified: April 10, 2003

North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

Consumer Advocacy Health Promotion & Other Initiatives