DHS Campaign Increases Awareness of Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Centers

This Aging and Disability Resource Month and Older Americans Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is highlighting a statewide campaign to increase awareness of and improve access to ADRCs (aging and disability resource centers) and Tribal partner agencies. The campaign directs customers to new and improved ways to contact local ADRCs, including a searchable online resource at FindMyADRC.org, and toll-free phone service at 1-844-WIS-ADRC.

"ADRCs play a critical role for Wisconsinites and serve as a bridge to support for Wisconsinites who are aging or experience a disability," said Gov. Tony Evers. "I hear from Wisconsinites across the state about the valuable guidance and support ADRCs provide to folks and communities across our state. That's why I included funding in my budget for ADRCs so we can advance the safety and dignity of older adults and people with disabilities and help them continue to live in their homes and communities."

"Every day ADRCs across Wisconsin work to help older adults and people with disabilities maintain maximum independence, quality of life, dignity, and security in their everyday lives," said DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. "But too many of us may not know where to start to find resources and support to stay healthy. We want every Wisconsinite to know that local ADRC agencies are available to help."

Launched in 1998, ADRCs are located in all 72 counties. Along with 10 Tribal aging and disability resource specialists (ADRS) in Wisconsin, they connect older adults and adults with disabilities to life-saving resources such as health and social services, financial and employment assistance programs, transportation and in-home care services, nutrition and meal programs, and more.

Today 9.7% of Wisconsin adults under age 64 identify as having a disability, a number that increases to 30% after age 65. As Wisconsin's population of older adults continues to increase, the need for specialized support is critical. ADRCs also play an important role in preventing the escalation of issues that could lead to poor health and costly medical care or services later. In 2023, ADRCs and Tribal partner agencies helped over 147,000 people across the state, preventing 61,000 hospital readmissions, and 101,000 emergency department visits.

Gov. Evers is investing $8.6 million in his biennial budget proposal so that as the state's population ages, our ADRCs and ADRS can keep up with the trend so older Wisconsinites and those with disabilities can live their healthiest and most independent lives. The ADRC awareness campaign directs customers to new and improved ways to contact ADRCs. This includes a new searchable web resource, FindMyADRC.org, which is a one-stop-shop to locate the nearest ADRC or Tribal partner agency and explore reliable resources. DHS also established a new toll-free locator service equipped with Spanish and Hmong translators at 1-844-WIS-ADRC that connects callers with their local agency for help to explore and understand their options.