More than thirty years ago, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) launched services dedicated to the well-being of our region's older adults and their caregivers.  Today we continue to help seniors in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties remain independent in the security of their own homes, we support families in their efforts to care for loved ones at home and in the community, and we strive to improve seniors' health and quality of life.

Founded in May 1975 AASC was designated by the Virginia Office on Aging as one of the 25 area agencies on aging in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our first office was on Southwest Virginia Community College's campus. We remained there until 1990, when we moved across the road into a leased building.  On the occasion of our 20th anniversary, we dedicated our own building near the Wardell Industrial Park.

More than just our location has changed through these 30+ years.  The senior population has risen dramatically and is the fastest growing sector of the U.S. population.  As the aging population grows, and the Baby Boomer generation continues to enter the senior population, the need for our services skyrockets.

We continue to adapt to seniors' needs to help them remain independent.  For example, when we first started, we didn't offer adult day care or child care.  We now have more than 25 programs designed to help seniors remain independent and age in place.

During the past year, we have been pleased to expand vital services.  Generations at Haysi, our newest adult daycare center, opened in September 2006.  Four County Transit, public transportation operated by AASC, opened a new administrative and vehicle maintenance facility this spring.

Four County Transit continues to develop new options for local communities.  In addition to providing transportation services for students attending Southwest Virginia Community College, it now offers routes for students attending Mountain Empire Community College and University of Virginia's College at Wise.

Perhaps the most exciting recent development for AASC is our award of a half million federal dollars and $250,000 in state funds to develop PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in the Cumberland Plateau Planning District.  This program will provide comprehensive health care in one location for people with chronic care needs. 

AASC continues to seek ways to serve our communities through significant contributions to the health and well-being of seniors and caregivers.