Sickness prevention achieved through regional collaboration -SPARC: Increasing the use of preventive health services by older adults in 3 metro Atlanta counties pilot project

Promoting good health and wellness is essential for maintaining the quality of life of our rapidly growing older adult population. Similar to the rest of the country and many parts of the world, Atlanta is experiencing a dramatic increase in its older adult population. In fact, the changing older adult population is a demographic force that will reshape the region within the next 20 years and will require innovative and creative health and wellness initiatives to prevent disease, promote healthy living and manage in a positive manner chronic disease. One such initiative is SPARC – the Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration model. SPARC is intended to enhance existing local systems by “filling the gaps” so that providers can deliver more cancer screening, immunizations, and preventive services for cardiovascular disease and avoid missed opportunities. As the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) partners and collaborates with county-based agencies, other government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses to design and implement an array of programs to serve older adults and caregivers. In 2006, ARC partnered with the RWJ Foundation to implement the–SPARC initiative in three Community Based Agencies – a) Fayette Senior Services, b) DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs and c) Fulton County Office of Aging were chosen to participate in the pilot project. Results of the pilot project will be discussed, as well as lessons learned, and the challenges of implementing and delivering numerous services in one setting (BUNDLING of Services).