Mission Moment Beyond PACE

Every once in a while, the public takes notice when On Lok’s mission extends beyond PACE and changes lives in new ways. Today I want to celebrate our Enhanced Care Management team, whose compassionate support is helping adults at risk of institutionalization stay healthy, independent, and connected in their communities.

As featured in the October 20th San Francisco Examiner article, On Lok Program Supports Adults at Risk of Institutionalization, On Lok’s Enhanced Care Management program (ECM) is expanding our impact beyond PACE by helping adults of all ages at risk of institutionalization remain living in the community through personalized care management.

Through ECM, participants receive one-on-one support from lead care managers who meet them where they are, whether that's at home, in the community, or virtually, to help them access medical care, housing, food, and social support. The result is not only better health outcomes, but renewed independence and dignity for adults who might otherwise face institutional care.

Enhanced Care Management Extends On Lok’s Mission Beyond Seniors

Building on this foundation, ECM represents the next step in On Lok’s evolution. While On Lok is well known for its longstanding PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model, the Examiner article highlights how ECM allows us to reach a broader population. By supporting adults younger than the traditional PACE age, and those at high risk of institutionalization, On Lok is extending its mission across the full continuum of aging and care.

On Lok has decades of experience building trust in communities, coordinating care, and supporting independence, which translates nicely into the work of ECM. As ECM matures, the team hopes to double the number of people they serve and expand services beyond San Francisco in the coming years.

Connecting to FY26 Strategic Priority #3: Expanding Impact Through New Programs

The ECM program is a clear example of executing our FY26 Strategic Priority #3: “Expanding Impact Through New Programs and Services that extend On Lok’s mission beyond PACE.” By leveraging our experience as the founders of PACE and our partnerships in San Francisco, ECM demonstrates how On Lok can broaden its reach by supporting new populations, preventing institutionalization, and delivering care where people live.

As the San Francisco Examiner article underscores, ECM isn’t just about medical access; it’s about dignity, connection, and the power of someone showing up. For On Lok, this means bringing the same person-centered, community-based approach we’ve honed for decades to new populations.

Thank you to the On Lok Enhanced Care Management team for your exceptional dedication.