Stacey Shepard

Under a state law that took effect in July 2024, Virginia's first responders – including dispatchers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel – must undergo training on how to recognize the signs of dementia and respond effectively to them.

An annual lobby day at the Arkansas State Capitol brought out AARP members to advocate for caregiving, retirement legislation.

A new law, pushed by AARP Virgin Islands, will establish a prescription drug monitoring program — and hopefully help cut opioid abuse.

In April, AARP Virginia is hosting a series of fraud prevention events to help older residents protect themselves against scams.

In Ohio, state volunteers champion legislative changes on critical issues, including support for family caregivers, brain health, fraud prevention and financial security for older adults.

AARP is helping the Indianapolis Public Library system expand its fraud prevention programming to combat rising fraud losses among older residents. The Outsmarting Scammers series will include consumer protection presentations from the Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

AARP Wisconsin is working with leaders in cities across the state to address affordable housing challenges — including joining other advocates to host a Housing Week event in Madison, working with city leaders to study housing options in Appleton, and leading walking tours in Milwaukee. In 2024, La Crosse also passed an ordinance to allow the construction of accessory dwelling units.

As Washington's older population is expected to increase, the state is developing a 'multisector plan for aging'

Addressing the state’s housing affordability crisis will be among AARP Arizona’s top advocacy priorities in 2025. It is urging lawmakers to renew and expand the state’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which allocates up to $4 million annually for the construction of affordable rental units.

Six entities around the state this year received AARP Community Challenge grants—totaling $61,050. The program funds local projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement, among other goals. Nationally, AARP awarded $3.8 million in grants for 343 projects.