“Secretary Kavulich is a remarkable leader in the field of aging and has a deep commitment to addressing elder abuse.” - Martha Roherty, Executive Director of national aging advocacy organization
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich has been named to the advisory boards of two national organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of older adults and protecting them from harm – work that is central to the efforts and initiatives he is leading for older Pennsylvanians here in the Commonwealth.
Secretary Kavulich has joined the advisory board for the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment at the Education Development Center (EDC). He also recently began serving on the board of directors for ADvancing States, the national association representing state aging and long-term services agencies.
“Pennsylvania is the fifth oldest state in the nation by population. One in four Pennsylvanians is over the age of 60, and that number will rise to one in three by 2030. So it’s vital that we become part of the national conversation, exchanging best practices and models for how we can ensure that older adults can stay safe, thrive and continue to contribute to their communities,” said Secretary Kavulich. “Because we have a Governor and an administration committed to policies that support healthy aging, we already have success stories to bring to the table. I am honored to join colleagues in other states who are facing similar challenges, because there are also many opportunities.”
The Shapiro Administration and the Department’s early, bold action on behalf of older adults is reflected in the development of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan to improve the infrastructure of aging services. In early 2025, the Department launched the Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE) – a complete overhaul of the Department’s system for monitoring the performance of the local agencies across Pennsylvania that provide services to and care for older adults, known as the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) Network. First results of the new monitoring system are now available online and reflect a comprehensive scoring of how well an agency is doing in its work to care for older adults; more results will be uploaded on a regular basis. Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes $2 million so the Department can increase accountability and oversight of the AAA network, and a $20 million investment for those AAAs so they can continue to provide key services to older adults.
ADvancing States’ mission is to help state systems of aging deliver long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.
“Secretary Kavulich is a remarkable leader in the field of aging and has a deep commitment to addressing elder abuse,” said Martha Roherty, executive director of ADvancing States. “We congratulate Jason for becoming a strategic advisor to the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment. As a board member for ADvancing States, Jason is in a unique position to help our members raise awareness of and respond to elder mistreatment.”
The National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment at EDC’s current phase of work focuses on integrating elder mistreatment prevention and intervention into mainstream health and social care for older adults, such as emergency departments in hospitals. The advisory board will collaborate to identify opportunities for prevention and intervention, engage key partners, and overcome barriers to integrating elder mistreatment efforts across diverse settings. Learn more about the project here.
In his previous post as director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, Secretary Kavulich led the development of the Older Adult Advocacy Center in Scranton, a national-level model for integrated elder mistreatment services. The Center will bring together medical, behavioral, legal and judicial services while offering temporary housing for victims as a plan is developed to meet their needs.
“We are honored to have Secretary Kavulich’s and Pennsylvania’s perspective and expertise on our advisory board as we work to mainstream elder mistreatment response as a vital component of care for older adults,” said Kristin Lees Haggerty, PhD, National Collaboratory project director. “Given his extensive professional experience, commitment to addressing elder mistreatment, and previous engagement in our work, we believe his insights will be invaluable.”
Across Pennsylvania, AAAs investigate nearly 40,000 cases of suspected abuse each year. Reports of suspected abuse can be made to a AAA, or to the statewide elder abuse helpline at 1-800-490-8505. The Helpline is answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
PDA works with the 52 AAAs to deliver services to older adults that help them stay healthy, safe and able to continue thriving in their homes of choice as they age. Older adults can connect with their local AAA to learn about services and supports like home-delivered and congregate meals, Senior Community Centers, caregiver supports, and protective services, and more that could benefit them.