May 9, 2008       
07:54 pm       

Positive Aging Act Provisions Included in the Older Americans Act Reauthorization

In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 30, Congress passed the bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (H.R. 6197). We are delighted to announce that significant language from the Positive Aging Act was included in the reauthorization. Specifically, these new provisions authorize:

• the designation of an officer at the Administration on Aging to be responsible for mental health services authorized under the Older Americans Act;
• competitive grants to states for the development and operation of systems for the delivery of mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; and
• competitive grants to states for programs to increase public awareness regarding the benefits of mental health prevention and treatment in older adults, reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders in older adults, and reduce age-related prejudice and discrimination regarding mental disorders in older adults.

In addition to the Positive Aging Act provisions, this Older Americans Act reauthorization included further language in support of mental health; new elder abuse, neglect and exploitation provisions from the Elder Justice Act; increased authorization of appropriations for programs to support family caregivers; and language to support home and community based long-term care for older adults.

APA is grateful to the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging for its longstanding support of the Positive Aging Act and its collaboration throughout the Older Americans Act reauthorization. We look forward to continuing to work with you as these important new provisions are implemented.

Governor's Implementation Strategies
A copy of the document is available here.

State, Regional, and Local Mental Health and Aging Coalitions,
We heard you!

After receiving many requests and suggestions on how to improve communications and to formalize the relationship between the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (NCMHA) and the state, regional, and local coalitions across the country we've developed a solution.

We would like to invite all state, regional, and local coalitions that support the purposes of the NCMHA to join us as full members.

As we reviewed the various options suggested we realized that the bylaws of the NCMHA does not specify that only national organizations may belong. In fact several state coalitions had already joined.

An invitation with a list of benefits and instructions on how to join is available below. Basically all it takes is a letter telling us about your coalition, indicating you support the purposes of the NCMHA, and requesting membership. You should also include the name and contact information of a representative, and if possible, one or more other contact persons. There is no cost for membership. Coalitions work because they share information and resources that they can bring to the table for a common cause.

By joining, your coalition would become a full voting member, be able to designate a representative, participate in planning and decision making, and participate in NCMHA meetings and special events. It will also promote communication and information sharing between a nationwide network of coalitions.

If coalitions across the country come together we can have a powerful national network to promote more and better mental health and substance abuse services for older Americans.

Please feel free to call (317/232-7894) or e-mail Willard Mays (willard.mays@fssa.in.gov) if you have any questions.

Join the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging
A copy of the invitation form is available here.