NPA Leads National PACE Month Observance Each Year

Each year since 2017, NPA has led the observance of National PACE Month in September, setting the theme and providing resources for PACE programs across the country to join in the celebration and raise awareness about PACE. 

NPA expanded on an effort by the North Carolina PACE Association in 2016 to have the governor sign a proclamation recognizing the significance of PACE in senior care and acknowledging a month of celebration. PACE programs in the state hosted events and invited elected officials, referral partners and the public. Many obtained local proclamations as well.

NPA encourages PACE organizations across the country to observe National PACE Month in September. This year ‘s theme, developed in partnership with members of the NPA Intake/Marketing e-Community, was “Simplify Your Life: At Your PACE. The theme highlighted the all-inclusive aspect of the PACE model of care, which allows participants to focus on their quality of life.  

Today, many use the national observance as an opportunity to generate local media coverage, host elected officials and the community, plan special activities for participants, and celebrate the work of their staff. 

National PACE Month “gives you a chance to go out, make face-to-face connections, tell people about PACE, and get the word around that there’s still care in health care,” said Kayla Lennon, Community Liaison for Siouxland PACE in Sioux City, IA. “We care about our elders, and we want what’s best for them.” 

“If you’re hearing the same message nationwide, it’s a powerful force,” said Lindsay Mann-Shanahan, director of Marketing at Huron Valley PACE in Ypsilanti, MI. PACE organizations should take advantage of every opportunity to unify, she said, and National PACE Month exemplifies how they can present a united front and appear stronger together. 

As more PACE organizations join in the annual observance, they share ideas for celebratory activities with one another. NPA helps to amplify these ideas throughout the PACE community and compiles an activity guide as part of an online toolkit that also includes downloadable posters and social media graphics.  

TRU PACE, in Lafayette, CO, took a multi-pronged approach to its celebration this year, with different activities focusing on the different audiences of staff, participants and referral partners, said Staci Baker, Business Development specialist. The program hosted an open house for referral partners and incorporated a needs drive for participants. 

Hosting tours of the PACE center is one of the best things that organizations can do, she said. “There’s no way to describe PACE. There’s no campaign, no postcard that is more impactful than providing tours.” 

Center tours provide referral partners with a better understanding of the PACE model of care in action, Baker said, and National PACE Month offers a heartfelt reminder of why people in the PACE community love it. 

The spirit of the annual observance doesn’t have to end when the month is over, however. She said TRU PACE continues to display the posters year-round because anytime is a good time to celebrate PACE.