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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2026 CONTACT: Ward Mullens 734-320-7977 mullens@gudmarketing.com Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan earns national recognition for innovative MiCaregiverConnection.com One-stop online resource honored for transforming support for Michigan’s 1.7 million family caregivers LANSING — The Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (4AMI) has received national recognition from USAging, the country’s leading organization representing Area Agencies on Aging, for its innovative digital caregiver resource, Mi Caregiver Connection, a first-of-its-kind statewide platform connecting Michigan family caregivers with trusted local resources and support. The recognition, made during the 51st Annual USAging Conference in San Diego, highlights Mi Caregiver Connection’s innovative approach to simplifying the caregiving journey by providing caregivers with a single online destination to access local services, educational resources, support programs and connections to Michigan’s network of 16 Area Agencies on Aging serving all 83 counties. The platform was developed in response to the growing need for accessible, reliable information for the more than 1.7 million family caregivers across Michigan. “The impact of Mi Caregiver Connection has been recognized by our colleagues across the country as an important innovation in supporting family and informal caregivers,” said David LaLumia, executive director of the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan. “We gratefully accept this award, we acknowledge and thank all who worked to make this project a success and we look forward to sharing lessons learned with the 613 Area Agencies on Aging that serve older adults and people with disabilities across America.” Mi Caregiver Connection serves as a comprehensive online hub where caregivers can locate local Area Agencies on Aging, explore educational materials, learn about respite care, connect with support groups, discover in-home care options and access practical tools designed to reduce the stress and uncertainty often associated with caregiving. “Receiving the USAging Innovation Award reinforces the critical role that caregiving plays in the health and well-being of our nation,” said Don Saldia, 4AMI board member and director of the Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging. “As communities increasingly rely on informal caregivers to support older adults and individuals with disabilities, Mi Caregiver Connection provides not only a valuable resource but also a scalable framework that other communities can adapt and implement. Through a unified, statewide effort led by Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging, we are proud to share our experience in developing an innovative model that strengthens support for those who provide care every day: the informal caregivers who are the backbone of long-term care.” The recognition from USAging highlights Michigan’s leadership in developing innovative approaches to caregiver support that can serve as models for aging networks across the country. Area Agencies on Aging nationwide play a critical role in helping older adults and caregivers access home- and community-based services that promote independence and improve quality of life. Since its launch in November 2025, Mi Caregiver Connection has had more than 76,000 users seeking help or information, with 317,000 users completing a website action, most often connecting with local AAAs or using the Caregiver Help Tool. Mi Caregiver Connection was funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “The recognition from USAging matters because they look at everything that’s happening nationwide,” said Jenn Dubey, operations manager of 4AMI and project manager for Mi Caregiver Connection. “And there are a lot of cool things happening across the country in the aging space. But yet they looked at Mi Caregiver Connection and they saw value. They recognized this is going to change the lives of caregivers in Michigan. It’s meaningful to us that they recognize the work we’ve done is going to have impact across our state.” Dubey said MiCaregiverConnection.com has also had an impact beyond Michigan. “We have already had several inquiries about this resource from other organizations in other states,” she said. “That is the real testament to this project.” USAging annually identifies and showcases members’ innovative and successful programs to encourage their replication by other agencies. Launched in 2005, the awards program recognizes AAA and Title VI Native American aging programs that exemplify innovation and sound management practices. Member AAAs and Title VI aging programs submit nominations in a variety of categories, and representatives from USAging’s board of directors review eligible nominations to select the winning programs. The Aging Achievement Awards highlight successful programs in the field, and the Aging Innovations Awards honor the most innovative initiatives. USAging presented 16 Aging Innovations Awards and 33 Aging Achievement Awards to programs in a variety of areas, including agency operations, caregiving, community planning and livable communities, elder abuse prevention, health–social care integration, healthy aging, home and community-based services, housing and homelessness, nutrition, social engagement, technology, transportation and mobility, and workforce development and volunteerism. Nationally, there are 613 AAAs and 290 Title VI Native American aging programs. AAAs coordinate community-based services and supports for older adults, while Title VI organizations receive federal grants to deliver culturally competent nutrition, supportive and caregiver services to over 400 tribal communities and Native Hawaiian populations. “These award-winning programs reflect the ingenuity, dedication and local leadership of Area Agencies on Aging across the country,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. “They show what is possible when communities invest in the innovative approaches that Area Agencies on Aging develop to respond to the real needs of older adults and caregivers, and we are proud to celebrate the organizations leading this important work.” For more information about Mi Caregiver Connection, visit MiCaregiverConnection.com. ABOUT AREA AGENCIES ON AGING ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (known as 4AMI) is a statewide voice and collective action for the Area Agencies on Aging. It advances healthy aging and advocates for policy and programs that allow older adults and those with disabilities to live with dignity and independence in the setting of their choice. ###
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