Aging Services Advisory Council

Clackamas County Social Services is the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Clackamas County.  AAAs are agencies that are designated by the state and federal government to provide services, support and information for older adults and people who experience a disability, so they can live independently and actively engage with their community.

The work of the AAA is supported by the Aging Services Advisory Council (ASAC). Council members participate in the development of planning documents and help the agency evaluate the effectiveness of the programs that are delivered, both by the county and by community partners, including 10 senior centers serving all regions of the county. 

Council Members bring their lived experience and the experience of their family and social networks to inform program development. Members also play a key role in communicating to their networks about information and resources that they learn about via their Council Membership.
 
In 2024, ASAC Members learned about and discussed issues including:

• Emergency Services in Clackamas County
• Oregon Project Independence – Medicaid Expansion
• The Clackamas County Community Action Board Community Needs Assessment
• Suicide Prevention Efforts in Clackamas County
• Current State of the Addictions Crisis in Clackamas County

These are some examples of the work that ASAC has done:

• The ASAC Adult Center Liaison Subcommittee visited local senior centers to review services. They met with the Center Directors and collected data on service provision.
• ASAC Members provided feedback on the development of a survey tool and process to seek input from older adults in Clackamas County. The survey will inform the County's Area Plan, which addresses the needs of older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers).
• Representatives from ASAC contribute to the Social Services' Service Equity and Emergency Preparedness Committees and attend the Oregon Association of Area Aging Agencies and Disabilities (O4AD) meeting.

Advisory Council Roster

• Dan Hoeschen – Chair
• Eric Olson – Vice Chair
• Steven Bushman – Secretary
• Carol Bernhard
• Jim O'Brien
• Joyce Caramella
• Kristina John Baptiste
• Lynne Byrne
• Patricia Torsen
• Scott Stahl
• Sonya Norton
• Kimberley Whitely