The conversation around coordinating services for older adults in Athens County began in 2018, sparked by the recognition of specific unmet needs within this population. As part of assessing the potential benefits of an Age-Friendly initiative for Athens County, various program structures from other communities were reviewed. While these structures varied, most successful programs employed at least one full-time staff member dedicated to Age-Friendly programming and project implementation. To drive this initiative forward, an Age-Friendly Coordinator was hired in June 2023 to facilitate community meetings, manage data, provide administrative support, secure funding, and ensure compliance with both AARP and local requirements.

Today, the Athens City-County Health Department serves as the community hub for Age- Friendly Athens County (AFAC). A dedicated working group of 14 community members, along with the Age-Friendly Coordinator, collaboratively guides the initiative.
Through extensive community engagement, housing, transportation, and community & health services were identified as the most pressing issues out of the eight AARP domains of livability, which also include outdoor spaces & buildings, social participation, respect & social inclusion, work & civic engagement, and communication & information. Each domain sub- committee has included representatives from various sectors, professional experts, and community members who lead planning, idea generation, and assessment efforts. A significant aspect of the plan’s development involved direct engagement with the community,
particularly older adults. Listening sessions were held at public libraries and various senior centers across the county, providing valuable insights and feedback from those most affected by the plan. The Athens County Foundation and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service provided technical support to the Age-Friendly Coordinator and leadership team to facilitate a strategic planning process with the working group.