Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens outlines PACE center opening in Bristol, cites $1.2M federal funding and local investments

Brian Beck, CEO of the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, told the Bristol City Council on Sept. 9 that the agency has rehabilitated a facility near Exit 7 and plans to operate a PACE (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly) center serving Bristol and surrounding counties.

"Appalachian Agency is celebrating 50 years of operations," Beck said, introducing the program. He told council the agency received $1,200,000 in congressionally directed spending for the Exit 7 facility and has invested roughly $800,000 of additional nonprofit funds in renovations.

Beck described PACE as a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program for people 55 and older who meet the criteria for nursing‑home placement but choose to remain at home. Services include a medical director, registered dietitian, master‑level social worker, clinical pharmacist, transportation and home care. Beck said the program replaces Medicare and Medicaid coverage for enrolled participants and that the agency primarily serves the dual-eligible population.

The agency has hired more than 40 staff overall and specifically assigned at least five employees to the Bristol facility, Beck said. He told council the site has a certificate of occupancy and that the agency was seeking authorization from the Department of Social Services and a Medicare/Medicaid review; if those approvals are granted, the center could begin serving clients Nov. 1 (with a potential delay to December). "When you are a PACE program, you apply for the ZIP codes," Beck said, noting the program already serves Bristol and Washington County residents from Marion.

Beck asked city staff about a nearby commercial sign boundary that may impact the agency's property at Exit 7 and said the agency has worked with city officials, the fire marshal and engineers on driveway access and parking for 14‑passenger and smaller handicap‑accessible vans. He also noted the agency pays state nonprofit taxes but said local tax-exemption for property is possible and should be discussed with the commissioner of revenue. "We are 501(c)(3) exempt in the state of Virginia to operate," Beck said.

Councilmembers asked questions about hiring and regional partnerships. Councilmember Barnum (district role identified in the transcript as incoming chair for District 3's board of commissioners) thanked Beck for the service emphasis on aging populations and noted District 3's complementary programs. Beck said the agency sees hiring competition with regional hospitals but has already filled clinical and support roles.

Beck said the agency would host open houses and invited council to attend a grand opening once the final approvals are secured. City staff committed to follow up on the signage question.