VCU College of Health Professions

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Yes. VCoA has a rich variety of expertise and is committed to disseminating this information. You may view our profiles on this website and contact the VCoA member directly. Of course, please remember that individuals have assigned responsibilities and their projects may limit availability.

We would gratefully accept your assistance.  To make an on-line donation to the Virginia Center on Aging, visit our VCU College of Health Professions fund and select "Virginia Center on Aging" from the drop down menu under the "I would like to direct my gift to" question.

We also welcome contributions in any amount by check made payable to the Virginia Center on Aging, mailed to us at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0229. Please note "general fund" or program area in the note section.

Most of our programs are funded through State and Federal grants. General Fund donations allow our staff the flexibility to supplement that funding based on needs that may not be explicitly covered by those grants.

Donations to the Alzheimer´s and Related Diseases Research Award Fund enhance the remarkably effective seed grant program that enables Virginia-based researchers to obtain the pilot data so critical for successful grant applications to major foundation and federal agencies. As a result of ARDRAF's initial seed funds, Virginia researchers have received an additional $36.7 million dollars in funds and published 275 related scientific and professional publications.  This is a $10 return on every dollar invested by the Virginia General Assembly. The quality of ARDRAF recipients' work is reflected by our inclusion in the National Institute of Health's International Alzheimer's Disease Research Portfolio.  

Donations to our Geriatrics Education Programs enhance the training provided to professionals on the front lines of caregiving which can have an immediate positive effect on the life and health of the older adults with whom they work.  

Donations to our Abuse in Later Life Programs enhance the training and education to first responders and professionals in the social services and aging sector on identifying and responding effectively to older adults who are experiencing abuse and allows us to reach audiences beyond those funded by current grants.

Donations to our Lifelong Learning Programs enhance the lives of older adults as they seek to continue learning and growing by promoting social engagement, active citizenship, and personal development.

The VCoA does not provide recommendations for services for older adults. Please visit the following websites for information on services.

• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
• VirginiaNavigator

Although VCoA is not an investigatory agency, we want to ensure that you are connecting to the most appropriate resources and community support available to you. To connect with us for more information, please refer to our Contact Us page.

IMPORTANT: Please do not report cases of suspected elder abuse to VCoA. If the situation is serious, threatening, or dangerous, call 911 or the local police for immediate help. 

If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, you should report these concerns to the protective services agency where the older adult lives. To report suspected adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Virginia, call your local departments of social services or the 24-hour, toll-free APS hotline at: 1-888-832-3858.

For advocacy, information, and assistance for older adults receiving long term care services connect with the Virginia Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, toll free number: 1-800-552-5019. 

If you have legal concerns, you can connect with the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service to access a low cost consultation ($35 for 30 minutes) with practicing members of the Virginia State Bar. The Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) is also available for needs around elder justice, such as estate and long term planning, guardianship / conservatorship, and probate. For fraud or scams, the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) operates 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ET Monday-Friday, with language interpretation available.