Central Plains Area Agency on Aging Receives Innovations Award from USAging

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Central Plains Area Agency on Aging’s (CPAAA) In-Home Counseling and Community Support Groups program received a 2026 Aging Innovations Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. The client-centered program that provides individual counseling and group therapy for adults ages 60 and older and their family caregivers was among 16 aging programs to receive Innovations honors during USAging’s 51st Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 18–21, in San Diego, California. An additional 33 agencies received Achievement Awards.

The 2026 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognize 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.”

The program addresses mental health concerns and caregiver stress through comprehensive clinical assessments and the provision of in-home or community-based counseling sessions. Additionally, it delivers community-based psychoeducation and outreach to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma associated with therapy and treatment, and increase awareness of mental health risk factors. 

“We are honored by this recognition and very proud to be able to offer this program that promotes healthy aging through mental health interventions that benefit both older adults and family caregivers,” said Stephen Shaughnessy, Executive Director of CPAAA.

The 2026 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including 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.