MDOA – Message from Secretary Roques
August 21, 2026
| Today is National Senior Citizens Day—a time to recognize the daily impact of older adults in our homes, hearts, and communities. As Marylanders live longer and contribute their experience, time, and talent throughout the lifespan, it becomes clear how Maryland’s economic success is tied to older residents, and why keeping Marylanders in Maryland as we age is a priority of the Maryland Department of Aging. Maryland has reached several key milestones in preparing for longer lives. About the time Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) celebrated its first anniversary, the LRM Act was passed. establishing a new level of state commitment to longevity planning across sectors. Shortly after, Maryland earned its Age-Friendly designation from AARP, further strengthening our commitment to creating livable communities for Marylanders of all ages. These accomplishments could not have been possible without the leadership of the Moore-Miller administration, and partnerships forged across sister agencies, local governments, community leaders, and organizational partners. By continuing the incredible momentum created through the LRM framework, we are working together to build a Maryland where people can thrive at every stage of life. As we shift our focus toward National Senior Center Month in September, we invite all of you to explore the vital resources offered by the organizations that support older adults and multigenerational connections in your community. So many organizations like St. Mary’s Outreach Center—profiled below—represent the tangible impact of state and federal policies at the local level and the value of Older Americans Act funding. We applaud the work of these “boots-on-the-ground” service providers and their essential role in our continued path toward longevity-readiness in Maryland. |
| News from MDOA Age-Friendly Maryland Designation Marks an Important Milestone in Longevity-Readiness On July 28, 2026, Maryland became the 15th state to earn its Age-Friendly designation by AARP. Approximately 70 representatives from state and local government, distinguished universities, leading health systems, national organizations, and other key partners attended the celebratory announcement as Maryland marked this pivotal milestone in the LRM multisector plan for aging. The next issue of Reach will map Maryland’s journey to this notable designation, and provide details on how local communities, businesses, universities, and health systems can benefit from embracing age-friendly policies. Subscribe to Reach to learn more.  |
 MDOA Gains National Exposure Among World-Class Aging LeadershipMDOA Secretary Carmel Roques joined global thought leaders, scientists, academia, and forward-thinking aging services professionals on August 10 at the AgingIN Longevity Summit to showcase Maryland’s pioneering approach to longevity-readiness on a national stage. The summit opened with Dr. Shelly Chadha of the World Health Organization who introduced key priorities that can prevent, delay, or even reverse declines in mental and physical health. Secretary Roques was invited to close out the summit by highlighting Maryland’s national leadership in aligning state policy with global healthy aging priorities to prepare for longer lives. | “Maryland’s proactive vision through Longevity Ready Maryland provides a powerful model for how states can translate science, innovation, and community support into meaningful care for older adults.”Dr. Shelly Chadha, World Health Organization |
 Support for Local Organizations are Making an Impact for Older Marylanders MDOA advances strategies to increase resources and capacity for local Area Agencies on Aging, Villages, and nonprofit organizations serving older Marylanders and their caregivers through 11 Aging-in-Place grant awards. Creative, research-driven approaches to providing high-quality services and supports, developing social connections, and fostering community engagement will enable older Marylanders to thrive in their communities, delaying or avoiding the need for higher and more expensive levels of care. Looking Ahead 2026 Home and Community-Based Services Conference: On August 25, 2026, Secretary Roques will attend a speaker panel to participate in a larger conversation between federal and state leaders on the development of national standards for Multisector Plans for Aging. On August 26, Deputy Secretary Jenna Crawley will participate in a panel discussion on state-led models for reframing aging. 2026 LifeSpan Network Annual Conference: On September 23, Secretary Roques will present to caregiving professionals and organizations across the state and the District of Columbia on updates to Longevity Ready Maryland. Driving Local Change in Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore: On September 29th, MDOA is partnering with the UMBC Erikson School of Aging Studies to host an asset-based community development training workshop intended to empower eastern lower shore communities to identify and mobilize community strengths. Strengthening Care: Abuse Prevention and Guardianship Training for Nursing Home Professionals: On October 6th, the MDOA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Maryland Department of Human Services will provide critical training intended to empower nursing home staff with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our most vulnerable residents. Wine, Women, and Dementia: On November 12th, Maryland Public Television is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association of Maryland, AARP, and MDOA to kickoff a Wine and Watch series, intended to bring communities together to watch and discuss a poignant caregiving documentary on how family members shoulder the emotional toll caring for their loved ones with dementia. |
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| LRM in Action at the Maryland Department of Health Request for Information for Food in Lieu of Services for Medicaid |
| The Maryland Department of Health is exploring how to build food and nutrition services into Maryland’s Medicaid program with plans to use In Lieu of Services and Settings (ILOS) authority to meet health-related medical needs. ILOS gives Medicaid managed care organizations the option to provide Department-approved services as cost effective alternatives to, or complements of, traditional covered services for programs such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for eligible Medicaid enrollees beginning in 2028. Medicaid enrollees, providers, community leaders, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback using the Request for Information (RFI) form byWednesday, October 14, 2026. |
| $80 Million in First Round of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Awarded Improving health outcomes takes more than medical care alone. Collaboration among health care providers, community organizations, local governments, and other service providers can help residents of all ages and in all communities connect with the resources they need to remain healthy and independent. MDOA applauds this significant investment in Maryland’s rural communities, and will continue to work with the Maryland Department of Health to help rural residents get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The RHTP aligns with the Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) framework as part of Maryland’s broader efforts to transform rural health care. | “We look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Health in supporting Area Agencies on Aging that serve rural communities to ensure that the priorities of older adults drive longevity planning across all Maryland zip codes.”Carmel Roques, Secretary, Maryland Department of Aging |
| Support in Action:St. Mary’s Outreach Center St. Mary’s Outreach Center is a Baltimore-based community center that provides a range of supports for older adults including social programming, nutrition assistance, case management, assistance filling out administrative paperwork, and other health and wellness supports. It was an MDOA FY25 Aging-in-Place grant recipient and is beloved by the community it serves. “Being an older person, it makes me feel good that I have something to look forward to. Having these programs to participate in and get out of my apartment and be with other people… I love it. It makes my day.” |