ACL has awarded $3,749,813 in innovation grants to enhance workforce capacity in the national aging services network with the inclusion of dementia-capable community health workers (CHWs). Through this new initiative, ACL seeks to strengthen relationships with rural and underserved communities, promote community-based screening for early intervention, and address barriers to care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
CareSouth Carolina, Inc. operates as both a regional area agency on aging (AAA) and a federally qualified health center, supporting the medical and social needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers. CHWs at CareSouth will work as members of interdisciplinary care teams to provide comprehensive dementia care coordination.
Pima Council on Aging (AZ) will hire two CHWs, a new role for the AAA, and train CHWs at partnering organizations to build community capacity for identifying and supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. Pima’s project will include engaging caregivers in behavioral management education and interventions.
Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging DBA Elder Options will involve CHWs in organizational planning and strategy development. In addition to offering dementia-capable services and supports, CHWs will provide community-based insights and data to reveal unmet service needs, informing priorities for community outreach and service development.
MAC, Inc. (MD) plans to build from established relationships with primary care associations and hospitals to improve clinical-community care coordination for people living with dementia and their caregivers. MAC will partner with its local area health education center, Alzheimer’s Association, and health information exchange to develop a well-trained, well-resourced, and well-connected team of CHWs.
North Central Texas Council of Governments will address emotional wellness by incorporating depression screenings into community-based dementia screenings. Individuals who screen positive for dementia symptoms will be referred to medical follow-up, and those who additionally screen positive for depression will be enrolled in the PEARLS program.
To learn more about the dementia-capable CHW program, contact stephanie.bostic@acl.hhs.gov.
See Notice of Funding Opportunity: HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-ADPI-0012, "Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) - Developing Dementia-Capable Community Health Worker Programs in the National Aging Network program," posted June 30, 2025.