How To Attend the New Texas Aging Council Meeting

Designees from the top levels of state government in Texas, along with aging and longevity experts in the Lone Star State, are now convening regularly for the first time over how to plan for the future of the state’s aging population.

Their mission: To ensure that public agencies providing services to older adults communicate and collaborate.

The new Statewide Interagency Aging Services Coordinating Council has started work on a five-year plan to meet the needs of older Texans.

The group, which AARP Texas advocated for, includes appointees from the governor’s office, state agencies and research from three public Texas universities. Besides the five-year plan, the Council will develop a biennial expenditure proposal and an inventory of state-funded programs and services.

The coordinating council is expected to meet at least quarterly. As reported by AARP last October, the gatherings come at a time when the state’s population is rapidly aging. From 2010 to 2020, the number of Texans 65 and older grew by 51 percent, compared with a 16 percent increase in the overall population.

The group meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, North Austin Complex, Expandable Training Rooms, 1.401-404, First Floor, 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin.

The meeting will be webcast. Members of the public may attend the meeting in person or access a livestream of the meeting at https://texashhsmeetings.org/HHSWebcast. Select the tab for the North Austin Complex Live on the date and time of the meeting. Please e-mail Webcasting@hhsc.state.tx.us if you have problems with the webcasting function.

Attendees who would like to provide public comment should see the Public Comment section below. The meeting agenda includes:

· Welcome, opening remarks, and roll call
· Consideration of March 20, 2024, draft meeting minutes
· Special Topic Presentations
—HHSC Aging Services Database
—HHSC STAR+PLUS
· Discussion and consideration of subcommittees
· SIASCC member updates relevant to council focus
· Public comment
· Action/agenda items for next meeting
· Adjourn

Questions regarding agenda items, content, or meeting arrangements should be directed to Chelsea Couch, SIASCC Coordinator, at SIASCC@hhs.texas.gov.

Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aids or services should contact Patti Durham, Program Support Specialist, at 512-438-2057 patricia.durham@hhs.texas.gov at least 72 hours before the meeting so arrangements can be made.

A recording of the June 5 meeting will stream at https://texashhsmeetings.org/HHSWebcast