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 2025, there are 180 PACE programs in 33 states and the District of Columbia. The Commonwealth of Virginia is proud to be one of them.

The first PACE program in Virginia opened its doors in 2007. As of January 2025, Virginia has 14 PACE programs throughout the state and working on serving additional zip codes within our current service areas as well as expanding to new areas. If you are interested in having PACE in your area VPA collects requests and shares the information with the Department of Medical Assistance responsible for planning purposes.

PACE is a nationally recognized community-based alternative to nursing home care that currently serves over 80,000 individuals by providing services to help them safely stay at home. Learn more today to find out if PACE is an option for you or your loved one! 

Learn More

To find out if you live in a PACE service area contact the PACE center nearest you, use the link below to enter your zip code, or email info@vapacealliance.org