About Us Page
MEAPA - Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance
MEAPA was created in 1993 by leadership from the Area Agency on Aging, Region One and the Office of the Arizona Attorney General to promote public awareness, education, and community outreach for the prevention of Elder Abuse and Late-Life Domestic Violence in Maricopa County.
Statistically, vulnerable adults accounted for 9,592 total reports to Adult Protective Services from July 2007 through June 2008. While that data suggests elder abuse may have indeed been present in the cases reported, the sad fact remains that more than 90% of all cases of elder abuse go unreported to authorities.
Members of MEAPA are doing their part to raise public awareness about the warning signs of elder abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation) along with teaching our citizens how to report elder abuse to the proper authorities and providing information and resources necessary to help rebuild the lives of those who are victims.
MEAPA members include over 150 professionals from a variety of disciplines including government, healthcare, law, law enforcement, long term care, behavioral health, and private businesses, to name a few. These professionals work together with a passion for giving back to their community by protecting adults who are vulnerable or incapacitated.
Area Agency on Aging, Region One
Our Mission
The Area Agency on Aging strives to secure, promote, and provide essential services to enhance the quality of life in a diverse and changing society. We meet the challenge through advocacy, coordination, building alliances, and promoting public awareness guided by integrity, vision, and sustained commitment.
Oranizational Background
The Area Agency on Aging, Region One is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that plans, coordinates, develops, funds, administers, and delivers programs and services for nearly 95,000 individuals annually in five client populations in Maricopa County:
- Adults, 60 years of age and older;
- Adults, aged 50 and older with special needs, such as victims of late-life domestic violence and elder abuse;
- Adults, aged 18 and older, with disabilities and long-term care needs;
- Persons of all ages who have a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS; and
- Family caregivers, including grandparents raising grandchildren.
Access to Service: Call the 24-hour Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-4357, toll-free at 888-264-2258, or at 602-241-6110 (TTY/TDD), or visit the Area Agency on Aging Website.