How it began...
A lot was happening in San Francisco in the 1960's, but the city's senior population wasn't getting what it needed. In the Chinatown-North Beach area, home to Chinese, Italian and Filipino immigrants, the problem was dire. Dr. William Gee, a public health dentist, and Marie-Louise Ansak, a social worker, assembled a group of community leaders. Together they made On Lok Senior Health Services and its fully integrated health care approach for the elderly a reality.
In 1987, Federal legislation authorized a replication of the On Lok model. Working with two national foundations, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the John A. Hartford Foundation, On Lok launched PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly). With On Lok service professionals as trainers and technical assistants, by 1994 there were 10 sites in nine states, all receiving Medicare and Medicaid waivers to serve the frail elderly through PACE. On Lok and these original sites formed the National PACE Association (NPA).
Through the efforts of the National PACE Association, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 made the PACE model a permanently recognized provider type under Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Where we are today...
• We're Senior Health Experts
On Lok is experienced at designing and delivering quality health care that encompasses the physical, spiritual, cultural and emotional needs of seniors. A hands-on management style and rigorous attention to detail makes On Lok a leader in health care for the elderly.
• We're Culturally Aware
At On Lok, we understand how elders--already suffering many losses--need special care in a cultural sense as well as in a physical sense. We offer multi-cultural and multi-lingual programs to serve diverse groups.
• We're a Collaborative Partner
On Lok PACEpartners is a NPA-recognized Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and a division of On Lok. Our mission is to assist organizations in determining their readiness to develop PACE and other community-based models of health care so that more seniors can get the help they need.