Region 7 CEO outlines services and asks county leaders for legislative introductions

Dana Alphen, the newly appointed CEO of the Region 7 Area Agency on Aging, presented to the Clare County Board of Commissioners on the agency's services and local partnerships.

Alphen said Region 7 coordinates services to support older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers across the region and directly funds congregate nutrition, home‑delivered meals, case coordination, caregiver case management, personal care and homemaking, respite care and senior‑center staffing in Clare County. She told the board more than $3,000,000 in support is accessed annually for roughly 150 aging or disabled adults in the county through the My Choice waiver administered by Region 7.

Alphen asked commissioners for assistance with introductions to their state representative, state senator and U.S. congressional offices to help expedite conversations at the legislative level. She also urged counties to fill seats on Region 7's board of directors and advisory council and to identify interim appointees promptly when vacancies occur so the agency's advocacy remains representative and relevant.

Why it matters: Region 7's grants and waiver administration fund services that county residents rely on for daily living and caregiver support. County cooperation on referrals, appointments to advisory bodies and legislative outreach can help preserve or expand access to those services.

Follow up: Alphen left contact information with county staff; commissioners were given printed materials and copies of the presentation.