MDoA 25-10 Senior Call Check and Social Connections Program Consultant

Purpose The Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA) seeks consultation to create and deliver resources that will assist MDoA to redesign our Senior Call Check Program in alignment with the recently passed Senior Call-Check and Social Connections legislation (SB 223, HB158) https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0223 and the Longevity Ready Maryland Multisector Plan on Aging  https://aging.maryland.gov/lrm/Pages/LRM.aspxThrough this project, the consultant(s) will work to identify existing programs in Maryland and evidence-based best practices nationwide, identify opportunities to better align the Senior Call Check and Social Connections Program with other publicly-administrated programs at partner agencies, engage key stakeholders to create a work group of expert advisors, and create a workplan to guide stakeholder engagement and program redesign moving forward after June 30, 2025. Consultant activities and deliverables will ensure that the Senior Call Check and Social Connections Program launch during Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26) is evidence-informed and effectively improves access to services that support social connection and healthy aging. BackgroundThe Senior Call Check program was developed in 2017 as an automated wellness check service. The Senior Call-Check and Social Connections bill (SB 223, HB158), which goes into effect October 1, 2025, will enhance the existing Senior Call Check service, transforming it into the Senior Call-Check and Social Connections Program. Key enhancements include expanding the age of eligibility from 65 to 60, broadening communication methods to boost program participation, ensuring services are accessible and integrated with Telecommunications Access of Maryland, and enabling MDoA to work with multiple partners to improve access to services that foster meaningful social engagement and reduce social isolation. The program has an annual budget of around $400,000. Initial landscape research on existing programs and a review of accessibility challenges and solutions have been conducted and will serve as resources for this project. Over the next ten years, the Longevity Ready Maryland Plan, launching July of 2025, aims to transform systems and norms so that all older adults lead lives that are healthy, financially, secure, socially connected, and purposeful. The plan includes strategies to guide the State’s work to strengthen partnerships, build supportive and inclusive communities, reduce administrative burden and redundancy, improve access to holistic health, and enhance a culture of social connection.