Overview

The Iowa Department on Aging is an executive branch agency under the direction of Donna Harvey. Its mission is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of long-term living and support services that helps older Iowans, adults with disabilities and veterans maintain their heath and independence at home or in their community of choice. Established as the State Unit on Aging under the Older Americans Act, the department receives federal funding each year from the Administration for Community Living (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and redistributes it to Iowa’s six AAAs, which are strategically located throughout the state and work together and with local service providers to meet the needs of older Iowans. This “aging network” is designed to serve all Iowans who are 60 and older, with particular emphasis on populations demonstrating the greatest social or economic need. With projections for Iowa’s aging population to grow to constitute 20 percent of the state’s total population by 2050, the department focuses on empowering older adults to maintain their independence and advocates on behalf of older Iowans to ensure their rights, safety and overall well-being.