Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.The Baker Administration announced the implementation of its Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform with the opening of 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), community-based crisis intervention services, and launch of the 24/7 Behavioral Health Help Line. This marks a historic development in access to behavioral health services across the Commonwealth. Continue reading
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Older Adult Behavioral Health Innovation and EMHOT Awardees Announced by EOEA, Mass. Councils on Aging
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) awarded 18 grants, funded by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to improve older adults’ access to behavioral health services and supports. Four of these grants will be used to start new EMHOT programs (Elder Mental Health Outreach Teams), four will be used to expand existing EMHOT programs, and ten will be used to test innovative older adult behavioral health practices. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Elder Mental Health Programs, Community Compact Reminder
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative promotes a range of funding opportunities that supports inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities. Please see the following opportunities below: Continue reading
How the State Legislature’s $52.7 Billion Budget Supports Older Adults
Last week, the Massachusetts legislature passed a $52.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). Here are some of the items that support older adults and healthy aging: Continue reading
U.S. Transitions to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The U.S. has officially transitioned the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care.
The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need. Continue reading
Baker Administration Selects Statewide Network of Community Behavioral Health Centers
The Baker Administration announced the selection of community based behavioral health organizations to bring online 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) that will expand access to routine, urgent and crisis treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorders starting in January 2023. Continue reading
Pandemic-Related Habits, Attitudes of Older Adults Measured in AP-NORC, SCAN Foundation Poll
Although many changes brought by the pandemic should make it easier for older adults to age in their community, those age 50 and older are less likely to report that they will continue using these services after the pandemic ends, according to a new study from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and The SCAN Foundation. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: BCBS of MA Foundation, Community Mobility Design Challenge
Communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly may be interested in the following funding opportunities.
AARP Research Shows Nearly 2 Out of 3 Older Women Regularly Face Discrimination
Ageism was the most frequently reported type of discrimination among women 50 and older who experience discrimination regularly, according to recent AARP research. Continue reading
Poll Uncovers Usage Rates, Disparities Among Older Adults Using Health-Related Apps
Less than half (44%) of people age 50 to 80 have ever used a health-related app on their smartphone, wearable device or tablet, according to the new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Those who say they are in poor health, and those with lower incomes or levels of education, were far less likely to have ever used such apps. Half of those who haven’t ever used a health app, or have stopped using them, said they are not interested in using them. Continue reading