Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging shifting to regional focus beginning in 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) will expand in 2026, shifting from a city-wide focus to a regional approach. Department leaders believe the new strategy will help better serve older adults in the eight-county region that encompasses central Ohio.

"I support this transition so that the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging may further fulfill its mission to inform and support people as they navigate the experience of aging or disability," said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.

COAAA was founded in 1974 within the Department of Recreation and Parks with 10 employees. Today, more than 400 COAAA staff members serve more than 14,000 older adults in Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties. A strategic plan developed in 2024 found that the agency could best manage its migration to the MyCare Next Generation service model mandated by the Ohio Department of Medicaid by transitioning to a regional model. By joining peer Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio, the agency will meet new state and federal requirements and ensure operational sustainability.

In 2024, COAAA made more than 47,000 home visits to Central Ohio seniors, supported more than 500 recently discharged hospital patients with in-home care to avoid accidents and re-admission, provided education and information to over 10,000 residents and caregivers through seminars and events, and provided more than 37,000 residents with referrals to community resources such as affordable housing, transportation and caregiver support.

Over the coming months, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will spearhead the creation of the new Regional Council of Governments that will assume the roles and responsibilities currently held by COAAA for the Central Ohio region. COAAA aims to complete this transition by the first quarter of 2026.