DEPARTMENT OF AGING

ORIGIN

The Department of Aging protects the rights and quality of life of older persons in the State. To meet the needs of Maryland senior citizens, the Department administers programs throughout the State, primarily through local "area agencies" on aging. Area agencies are designated by each county and Baltimore City to administer State and federal funds for local senior citizen programs. These programs include advocacy services, health education, housing, information and referral, in-home services, and nutrition.

The Department originated in 1959 as the State Coordinating Commission on the Problems of the Aging (Chapter 1, Acts of 1959). It was renamed Commission on the Aging in 1971 (Chapter 595, Acts of 1971). The Governor, in 1974, established the Governor's Coordinating Office on Problems of the Aging. In 1975, the Commission and the Office merged to form the Office on Aging, a cabinet-level agency (Chapter 261, Acts of 1975). In July 1998, the Office was restructured as the Department of Aging, a principal executive department (Chapter 573, Acts of 1998).

The Department monitors and provides technical assistance to a network of nineteen area agencies on aging that serve all counties and Baltimore City. Grants of federal and State funds for local programs to serve the elderly are provided by the federal Older Americans Act (Title III), the federal Food and Agriculture Act (sec. 700), and State general funds. Area agencies also receive local funds, private donations, and contributions from program participants.

DEPARTMENT OF AGING

ORIGIN

Maryland Executive Departments

Maryland Manual On-Line