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
Tag Archives: mental health
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
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
City Parks Alliance Promotes Infographic, Resources to Help Communities Create Public Parks
City parks play a vital role in the social, economic, and physical well-being of America’s cities and their residents. They also play a role in inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities.
The City Parks Alliance created an infographic listing the benefits of public parks, including access to recreational opportunities, increasing property values, spurring local economies, combatting crime, and protecting cities from environmental impacts. Parks are now recognized as powerful tools for urban communities and local economies.
Behavioral Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Update on Need and Access in Massachusetts 2020/2021
A newly-released issue brief provides an updated snapshot of the need for behavioral health care and experiences accessing it in the Commonwealth as of 2020/2021, based on a new survey commissioned by the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Foundation. Continue reading