Aging Resource Center

Launched in 2004 by landmark state legislation (Chapter 430.2053, Florida Statutes), three Area Agencies on Aging began transition into Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in mid-2005 on the following schedule: Senior Resource Alliance on June 30, 2005, Area Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. on August 1, 2005, and Area Aging of Broward County on September 15, 2005.

.  The concept of Florida's ARCs began in July 2003 when the Department, acting on a recommendation from the Office of Long-Term Care Policy and its Advisory Council, applied for a federal grant from the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to establish at least two pilot projects to work as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).

.  The most striking difference between ARCs and ADRCs is that in addition to serving elders, ADRCs also provide a one-stop link to long-term care for adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI).

.  In April 2004, DOEA received the federal grant. Through the grant, Florida 's ADRCs will target adults (age 18 and older) with SPMI as well as elders.

.  Later, upon the passage of state legislation creating ARCs in June 2004, the Department amended the federal grant proposal to complement the new state requirements.