The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau) is inviting the public to join Community Conversations online and throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adult residents, according to a Thursday press release.

According to the release, state units on aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act with developing and administering a multi-year state plan on aging that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families, and caregivers. The state plan on aging serves as a blueprint that outlines coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults and for building capacity for long-term care efforts, according to the press release.

MDHHS is seeking input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services that impact quality of life for older residents. The Community Conversations will run through Wednesday at various locations across the state and in a separate online forum. Those interested in providing information on the needs of older adults are encouraged to participate in one of the community forums or complete a survey. The survey, which is available online and in paper form in English, Spanish and Arabic, will remain open through Dec. 15, the press release stated.

The information gathered during the Community Conversations and from survey responses will be used to identify priorities for MDHHS in support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population. A draft plan will go before the State’s Commission on Services to the Aging for approval before being submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living by July 1 for an effective date of Oct. 1, 2026, and for implementation during Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029, the press release stated.

For a current list of Community Conversation locations, dates and times, or to access the survey, visit the State Plan on Aging webpage at michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/acls/plan-on-aging?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.