About Us

OKAHSA History

Mary Brinkley, OKAHSA Executive Director

In October, 1994, a group of individuals dedicated to furthering the awareness and promoting the interests of not-for-profit providers of aging services drafted bylaws to establish the Oklahoma Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the state affiliate of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. AAHSA is comprised of nearly 6,000 members nationwide, representing the full continuum of aging services, from independent housing to nursing facilities.

Mary Brinkley was hired as Executive Director in October 1995, in order to provide greater member services through educational seminars, public policy updates, and increased exposure of the important role of the not-for-profit provider.

The Oklahoma Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (OKAHSA) hosts one of the largest annual conferences in the state of Oklahoma. The OKAHSA Annual Meeting and Exhibition offers a forum for the exchange of both practical knowledge and new strategies related to the provision of services to older adults. This conference highlights cutting-edge approaches and issues in service delivery and management, program development, public policy, aging research and business trends. Participants further their education as well as network with their peers.

OKAHSA takes great pride in the achievement of our members as individuals and as groups working together to honor a shared mission. As an association committed to serving older Oklahomans, all contributions that enhance the quality of that effort are valued. Some individuals and communities, however, go above and beyond the call of duty in their daily work, touching the lives of our residents and participants in special ways, and encouraging all of us to even greater accomplishments. These individuals and communities are recognized through the OKAHSA Annual Awards Program.

Over the course of the past fourteen years, the Oklahoma Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (OKAHSA) has been very well-received and has experienced remarkable growth. As our membership continues to grow, we realize the definite purpose for OKAHSA’s existence. Through the work of OKAHSA, we strive to increase the quality of care and accountability of providers so the elderly population will be better served.