History of pace

Pace was originally founded in San Francisco in the early 1970s to help the Asian and Hispanic cultures care for their elderly without having to place them in a nursing home setting. Community leaders formed a nonprofit corporation called On Lok Senior Health Services to create a community-based system of care. On Lok is Cantonese for “peaceful, happy abode”.

The successful model has been well received and has gradually spread across the country. As of 2022. 30 states offer PACE programs and Virginia is proud to be one of those states.

The first PACE program in Virginia opened its doors in 2007.  As of September 2024, Virginia has 14 PACE programs throughout the state with more sites in development.

PACE is a nationally recognized community-based alternative to nursing home care that currently serves over 51,000 individuals providing services to help them safely stay at home.  Contact the PACE Center nearest you to learn more, To determine if you live in a PACE service use the "search by zip code" link or contact us feature.