Bay County Department on Aging becomes ACT 139 department

Press Release - For Immediate Release

BAY CITY, Mich., January 19, 2017 - The Bay County Division on Aging will now operate as its own department, the Bay County Department on Aging, moving from a division of the Bay County Health Department to a more autonomous role as an Act 139 department under the direct authority of the County Executive.

Bay County Executive Jim Barcia will soon appoint a new director to oversee the department.

“By making this change, the Department on Aging will be able to focus on providing even more enhanced services to the older citizens in our county,” Barcia said. “Bay County has the highest percentage of senior citizens in Michigan, and this will allow us to better serve our growing senior population.”

More than 18% of Bay County residents are age 65 or older,which is the largest proportion of seniors to the general population in Michigan. In addition, the amount of citizens 60 years and older is 24.8% of Bay County’s general population.

The County Board of Commissioners approved the change after a public hearing and vote at the Personnel/Human Services Committee and full board meeting at the Bay County Building on Tuesday, January 17.

Barcia said the decision to separate the D.O.A. from the County Health Department “makes perfect sense, and will allow Bay County to streamline our operations.”

The purpose of the D.O.A. is to provide continued opportunities for Bay County’s older adults by helping citizens maintain in dependence and enhancing their lives through quality services. The D.O.A. provides important educational and social opportunities for seniors as well.

The D.O.A. has an operating budget of more than $3.3 million dollars per year, has a recently renewed effective operating millage, utilizes an Advisory Council and has over 60 employees spread over eight separate programs.

For volunteer opportunities within the D.O.A., such as assisting with transportation,shopping, social visits, yard clean-up, meal distribution and other special events, contact Program/Event Manager Debbie Keyes at 989-895-4100 to fill out a volunteer application/complete a background check or visit www.baycounty-mi.gov/aging.