Area Agency on Aging District 7 earns prestigious Aging Achievement Award from USAging
The AAA7 received an Aging Achievement Award recently for its Medicare Monday initiative, a partnership with the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol and Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Pictured at the USAging Innovations and Achievement Awards Luncheon at the USAging Conference in San Diego, Calif., recently, are, (l-r) Michael Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, Sponsor of the Awards Program; Jamie Herrmann, Executive Director of the AAA7; Jenni Lewis, AAA7 Director of Community Outreach; Duana Patton, President of the Board of Directors, USAging; and John Byer, Cumulus CEO, Sponsor of the Awards Program.
By Jenni Lewis
AAA7
The Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) is thrilled to announce that its “Medicare Monday” initiative received a 2026 Aging Achievement Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. Medicare Monday, a partnership with the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol and Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), was among 33 local aging programs to receive honors during USAging’s 51st Annual Conference and Tradeshow, held recently in San Diego, California. An additional 16 agencies received Innovations Awards.
The 2026 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognizes USAging’s Area Agency on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Program members that have found new and innovative ways to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers as they live in their homes and communities.
“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.”
Medicare Monday is a concept the AAA7 developed during the pandemic as a weekly infographic on social media that transformed into a partnership with the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). It was enhanced in 2021 to include a monthly livestream to help the Ohio SMP empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors and abuse. Infographics are shared regularly on social media, and each month, a timely topic is presented live to share current information focusing on Medicare scams and general Medicare information and updates. In 2025, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance and Information Program (OSHIIP) was added to the livestream as another important partner to share updates and relevant information for Medicare beneficiaries.
The 2026 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including advocacy; 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. All winners are highlighted in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase at www.usaging.org.
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. USAging members help older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit www.usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their residence of choice through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay. Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Here, individuals can speak directly with a Resource Center Specialist who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org.