Press release – ALTCEW’s Advanced Medication Management Program receives prestigious Aging Innovations Award from USAging
September 19, 2022
Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) announces that its Advanced Medication Management Program (AMMP) recently received a 2022 Aging Innovations Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. AMMP, which helps clients find solutions to address complex health conditions and create safe and effective medication management plans, was among 43 local aging programs to receive honors during USAgingâs 47th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 10-13 in Austin, TX. The local program received special recognition, receiving a second place Innovation Award. The awards program is supported by iN2L, provider of the leading engagement and social connection platform for seniors, offering a foundation for activities that facilitate social interaction, cognitive and physical exercise, education, reminiscing, areas of interest and memory support engagement.
The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards program recognizes Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs that have developed and implemented cutting-edge concepts, innovative ideas, and successful strategies to support older adults and their caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
âThrough the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards, we salute our membersâ outstanding accomplishments and hold up their programs in the hopes that doing so will seed replication and additional innovation by their peers around the country,â said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of USAging. âWe applaud our members for their tireless efforts to creatively develop vital services and supports for older adults, as well as their caregivers and people with disabilities in communities nationwide.â
Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington worked with the Empire Health Foundation and other local partners to develop AMMP to explore how social and medication-related changes can improve health outcomes and quality of life. This program works with patients over the age of 50 in rural and urban communities who take multiple medications to manage chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, and hypertension. Trained coordinators and pharmacists work in tandem with physicians and other health care providers to create safe and effective medication management plans to meet each individualâs needs. Our purpose is to ensure our clients are using medications properly, are knowledgeable about medications, become more skilled in managing health outcomes, and reduce uncertainness of taking prescriptions. Inquiries can be made about the program by visiting www.altcew.org/programs-services/medication-management/ or calling Aging & Long Term Care at 509-960-7281 and asking for the Advanced Medication Management Program in Spokane County. For Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties, call Rural Resources Community Action at 1-800-873-5889.
Lynn Kimball, Executive Director of Aging & Long Term Care shared, âAMMP was developed through what makes the inland northwest unique â true partnership and collaboration. Empire Health Foundation worked to bring together critical partners to develop effective models to help older adults get better medication outcomes including Rural Resources Community Action, Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Medication Review, Inc., the Association of Integrated Medication Management, and many more. We are thrilled to receive this award on behalf of this unique collaboration that created a truly person-centered intervention that leverages a collaborative interdisciplinary team where we tap into individual professional strengths.â
 The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including Advocacy, Elder Abuse Prevention, Healthy Aging, Home and Community-Based Services, Nutrition, Social Engagement and Workforce Development.
All winners are showcased in the USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards Showcase.
About Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington
Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) is a social service agency that supports the well-being of older adults, adults living with disabilities, and their care partners. The goal is to connect such individuals with the best home and community-based services to support healthy living and aging in their homes in their communities. ALTCEW is the local Area Agency on Aging for northern Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Whitman Counties. To learn more, visit www.altcew.org.
About USAging
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. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. USAging is dedicated to supporting the success of our members through advancing public policy, sparking innovation, strengthening the capacity of our members, raising their visibility and working to drive excellence in the fields of aging and home and community-based services. For more information about USAging, AAAs or Title VI programs, visit www.usaging.org.
