Check out what we’re up to: Review CPAAA’s Strategic Plan (PDF)

Learn More About CPAAA

The Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) is located at The Ronald Reagan building in downtown Wichita, 271 W. 3rd st. N, Suite 500, Wichita 67202. CPAAA offers a variety of programs and services and links older adults, caregivers and persons with disabilities to community resources and information.  With the on-site Information and Assistance staff, case managers and other professionals we can provide information, an array of services, consultation, and technical support.  

Sedgwick County Transportation is also available at this location to coordinate rides and provide access to medical and non-medical transportation.

The Ronald Reagan building has ample parking for visitors and customers.  

Who Does CPAAA Serve?

CPAAA is available to assist seniors 60 and over, caregivers of any age, and adults with disabilities through life’s transitions and with various levels of support.  As the local Area Agency on Aging we have a special focus on seniors who are low income, minority, non English speaking, socially isolated as well as those with Alzheimer's Disease or at risk for nursing home placement.  CPAAA funds programs in the community that serve individuals 60 and older and oversees the local Aging and Disability resource Center offering information, supports and services to older adults, persons with disabilities and individuals with brain injury, including people of all ages.  The transportation program also serves individuals of all ages.  For more information on programs and services contact 855-200-2372 or live chat.

CPAAA prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, sex, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, and political beliefs.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Kansas TTY by calling toll free 1-800-766-3777.

The History of Central Plains Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were created in 1973 by the Older Americans Act and there are eleven in Kansas. Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA), which is administered in Sedgwick County, includes Harvey, Sedgwick and Butler Counties.  AAA’s receive federal and state funding from Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) an Area Plan, which is developed annually and may undergo revisions throughout the ensuing year. 

CPAAA, formed in 1974, was housed within the Metropolitan Area Planning Department in City Hall.  The governing board of CPAAA is the Sedgwick County Commission and Sedgwick County Department of Aging and Disabilities (SCDOAD) administers the agency.  The current CPAAA Advisory Council is involved in recommending policy, allocation of funds and program evaluation. 

The purpose of AAAs is to develop a comprehensive and coordinated system of services concentrating on the elderly in greatest social and economic need. AAA’s have a number of federal mandates to coordinate with other agencies to comment on policies, advocate, evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of services to assist seniors and their caregivers and to enable them to remain in the community. Some Older Americans Act funds are retained to operate specific programs through the AAA, but most are awarded or subcontracted to community agencies to provide specific services: nutrition, caregiver, in-home and community-based services, health promotion and disease prevention, and medication management.

What is the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging?

It is one of eleven Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Kansas. CPAAA's area includes Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick Counties. It has the highest number of older people of any AAA in the state: approximately 130,142 people aged 60 and over. 

The Governing Board relies heavily on the area wide Advisory Council to oversee operation of the CPAAA.  The Advisory Council meets monthly. Their major responsibilities include advising on programming and planning using the current Area Plan and strategic plan as a guide. The Council also provides input on the services provided, advises on needs and concerns of the elderly; advises on policy directions and initiatives for the CPAAA and assists with legislative advocacy.

What Does the CPAAA Do?

According to the Older Americans Act regulations, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) shall:

• Be the leader relative to all aging issues on behalf of all older persons in the area;

• Carry out a wide range of functions related to advocacy, planning, coordination, inter-agency linkages, information sharing, brokering, monitoring and evaluation;

• Develop or enhance in each community a comprehensive and coordinated community based system, designed to assist older persons in leading independent, meaningful and dignified lives in their own homes and communities.

CPAAA uses federal, state, and local funding as well as grants to meet the objectives. CPAAA also develops other partnerships to better serve the public and expand services. These programs and services can be found under the Older Adults, Caregivers and Professionals pages of this site.