eCommunication
Spring 2006
Volume 1, Number 3
From the Director
The TAC has experienced a flurry of technical assistance and training activity
in recent months. In late February/early March, TAC staff, in collaboration
with the National Council on Aging, provided training to substance abuse,
mental health, and aging network providers in Seattle and Spokane, Washington. Get
Connected! Toolkit training was conducted, along with a new workshop
offered by the TAC: Increasing Provider Comfort Levels in Working with Older
Adults. Through this workshop, TAC staff provided information regarding health
literacy and interacted with participants through role play to enhance provider
comfort in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues.
This exciting opportunity came about as a result of the TAC’s September pilot
test of state planning with Washington State. As followup to the meeting,
Washington put together a team composed of substance abuse, aging, and mental
health representatives who now meet regularly to identify and address older
adult behavioral health planning and response issues, such as workforce
development. The TAC applauds Washington’s ongoing efforts to successfully meet
the behavioral health needs of older adults in their communities.
In early March, 21 representatives from Connecticut, Maryland, and Ohio
attended an all-day state planning event in Baltimore, Maryland. In preparation
for the meeting, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)
teleconferences were conducted in advance of the meeting with over 50 key
informants in the three states. Each team spent the day reviewing integrated
findings from the calls and identifying critical next steps in older adult
planning that can be implemented within their states. We look forward to our
next round of state planning!
The mission of the Older Americans Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Technical Assistance Center is to enhance the quality of life of older adults
by providing training and technical assistance to health care agencies and
providers regarding health issues common in late life. TAC priorities include
the prevention and early intervention of substance abuse, medication misuse and
abuse, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
TAC Update
SAMHSA’s Older Americans Substance Abuse and Mental Health Technical Assistance
Center had a very busy winter. Staff attended and exhibited at the 58th Annual
Scientific Meeting of The Gerontological Society of America and fielded
technical assistance requests from a dozen states. In December, the TAC was
pleased to attend and exhibit at the 2005 White House Conference on Aging where
mental health and depression issues were among the top ten resolutions to be
sent to Congress and the President. Working closely with the National Council
on Aging, we are continuing to respond to requests to present the Get
Connected! Toolkit trainings in order to meet the needs of substance abuse,
mental health, and aging service providers across the country. Through the
exhibits and conferences, e-mail, 800-number, and ongoing support and technical
assistance, the TAC has responded to the needs of 25 states and territories.
Planning for the next state training is underway, and the TAC is working with
the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Administration on Aging to
plan trainings for states and territories over the next four years.
We are looking forward to new partnerships and collaboration in 2006 with
states, organiza-tions, service providers, and individuals to support the
efforts in prevention and early intervention of substance abuse, medication
misuse/abuse, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorders among older
adults.
The TAC Welcomes a New Member to the Team!
Ms. Megan Martin recently joined the Older Americans Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and will be coordinating the TAC’s
State planning and resource development efforts. Ms. Martin is a Research
Associate with experience in health promotion, education, and the provision of
technical assistance (TA) for community-based substance abuse and mental health
organizations, consumers, states, and the Federal government. She holds a BS
from the Pennsylvania State University in Biobehavioral Health and is pursuing
an MBA at Hood College. It is our pleasure to welcome Ms. Martin and we look
forward to the experience and talents she offers in fulfilling the mission of
the TAC.
The Importance of Sleep for Older Adults
Getting enough sleep should be a top priority for all Americans, including
older adults. It is important to know that the National Institute on Aging
reports that chronic insomnia occurs in about one-third of the elderly
population, and it is not a normal consequence of aging. Further, lack of sleep
can diminish an older adult’s quality of life. The International Longevity
Center (ILC) stresses that poor sleep could be as important as nutrition,
exercise, and social engagement to the health of older adults.
A recent Gallup survey of 1,003 adults age 50 and older examined sleep and
healthy aging in older adults. Just over half of older adults reported being
unable to get a good night’s sleep seven days of the week and 20% of older
adults get less than six hours of sleep each night.
Why do older adults lose sleep? For many older adults, worry contributes to
their inability to sleep. Be aware that being a caregiver who either raises
grandchildren or cares for elderly parents or a chronically ill friend can
contribute to worrying and an inability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The good news is that most older adults recognize the importance of sleep to
their good health and 45% of older adults realize that they need more sleep
today than when they were young. As a result, many older adults do seek help
for sleep disorders. For some, there is concern about the use of a sleep aid to
help them fall asleep including issues such as long-term effects, addiction,
and the feeling of not being well rested as a result of taking sleep
medications. It is important to consult with your doctor if you are
experiencing sleep problems and if you use a sleep aid; be aware of the
possible interaction with other medica-tions and alcohol.
A good night’s sleep is important for both physical and mental good health!
Featured Program
Gero-Psych Initiative
Beginning in 2001, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of
Mental Health initiated the Gero-Psychiatric Initiative, which operates in five
predominantly rural areas. The intent of the grant was to focus on three main
areas: systems integration, mental health services/consultation, and
training/education. The initiative is based upon evidence-based treatment
outcomes including access to expertise in geropsychiatry and clinical
geropsychology and the collaborative care model. The program employs
Gero-psychiatric Specialists who meet the state’s certification requirements as
Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) and have at least two years
experience in providing direct services to individuals over 60 with mental
health needs. The Gero-psychiatric Specialists are based in comprehensive
community mental health centers and work on enhancing mental health and aging
staff competencies in geriatric mental health and increasing the integration
and responsiveness of the mental health systems to older adults. The
Gero-psychiatric Specialists have direct access to a board-certified
psychiatrist for a minimum of ten hours per month. Data on the scope of
activities is collected monthly by the Division of Mental Health.
The project has expanded to include such activities as the development of a
peer-support model, development of caregiver supports in conjunction with the
Illinois Department of Aging, and authorship of a mental health and aging
manual that is currently being used in trainings for a comprehensive audience
(mental health, aging and long term care providers) throughout the entire
state. The Gero-psychiatric Specialists have shared their expertise at
functions such as the statewide Mental Health and Aging Coalition, statewide
Mental Health and Aging Conference, and training of Case Coordination Unit
(CCU) managers in the Illinois Department of Aging. While they have developed
the program within their specific geographic location, their collective
expertise has been utilized for statewide influence. The specialists are also
speakers at these forums and manuals are distributed to each agency. An Older
Adult Substance Abuse Task Force networks with mental health and substance
abuse agencies to analyze services for older adults.
A report analyzing substance abuse services to older adults was disseminated
within the state.
The specialists broker services for the most complicated cases thus preventing
functional decline, hospitalizations and transfers to a more restricted
setting, thus meeting the overall state goal of placing those with disabilities
in the least restrictive setting.
The program received a 2005 national award of excellence from the American
Society of Aging.
Gero-Psych Initiative ACCOMPLISMENTS
Including, but not limited to...
• Keeping older adults out of nursing homes and hospitals, thus saving the
state resources
• Coalitions that have been formed are working and resulting in an increased
number of appropriate referrals
• Establishment and modeling of a comprehensive system for the growing
populations of older adults
• Training with mental health and aging staff
• Developed fact sheets, newsletter and statewide mental health and training
manual
• Received 2005 Healthcare and Aging Award from American Society of Aging (only
mental health program to be so recognized)
• Asked to present as an evidence- based practice program at the National
Association for State Mental Health Program Directors
• Older Persons Division 2005 Quad Counties Coalition and WSIU (public
television) won the Community Partnership Award from the National Community
Outreach Association for joint work in broadcasting programs regarding older
adult mental health
• Three of the specialists have developed a report of the Southern Illinois
Substance Abuse and Aging Task Force
Areas of Service Involvement
• Enhancing the effectiveness of mental health service delivery, service system
efficiency, and customer outcomes
• Increase availability and access of services to older adults
• Coordinating and improving services
• Services in the least restrictive, clinically appropriate setting
• Intervening early in the disease process
• Enhancing clinical competencies of health and social service workers
• Decreasing risk of hospitalization, loss of independence or premature
long-term care placement
• Reducing social stigma
• Maintaining treatment gain and preventing an adjustment crisis and/or
hospitalization for those recently discharged from psychiatric inpatient care
• Leading a local plan of action to promote integrated delivery of mental
health services
• Assertive outreach
• Assessment and treatment planning
• Clinical consultation to providers
• Brief counseling, problem solving and personal support
• Linkage with a continuum of health, mental health, and social services
• Other DMH-funded core services as needed
• Physician and other medical services
• Assistance with securing basic necessities
• On-going home-based services
• Prevention and early intervention services
• 24-hour crisis response availability
• Collaboration with client’s family/personal support network
• Training and educational events for a range of audiences
• Team-building training to aging and mental health provider networks
• Multi-disciplinary team approach shall be used with the Gero-psychiatric
specialist acting as coordinator and the Gero-psychiatrist providing clinical
leadership
CONTACT US
For more information on this program, please contact:
Charlotte Kauffman, MA, LCPC
Service Systems Coordinator
Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Mental Health
100 S. Grand Ave. E., Harris II, 2nd Floor
Springfield, Illinois 62762
Phone: 217-558-4180
Email: DHSBHOU@dhs.state.il.us
Fax: 217-782-2406
News from our Federal Partners
Dennis O. Romero, M.A.
Acting Director
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Mr. Dennis O. Romero is the Acting Director for the Center for Substance Abuse
Prevention (CSAP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS). Mr. Romero’s role
is to provide national leadership and direction in substance abuse prevention,
set the goals and objectives of the Center, and participate in the formulation
of strategies and guidelines needed to plan, implement, and manage national
programs and projects. He also gives national presence by representing CSAP to
members of the White House Committees, the Office of National Drug Control
Policy and the news media to ensure an understanding of CSAP programs,
objectives, and priorities. As Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for
development of strategic program plans and management of CSAP’s internal
operations. This includes management of CSAP’s $634 million annual budget,
human resources, and program implementation and performance.
Mr. Romero brings a wealth of knowledge in creating and restructuring agency
practices to better mesh with government requirements (including HIPAA and EEO
laws). Mr. Romero has extensive experience in the fields of mental health,
chemical addiction, prevention, and program development, among others.
He served as Deputy Director of the Alcoholism Council of New York (ACNY), in
New York City. In that capacity he assisted the Executive Director in the
overall management of the organization, implementing the strategic plan and
translating organizational goals into work plans. Mr. Romero created and
established monthly reporting mechanisms; assisted program managers in
developing evaluation tools and designed expansion strategies for applicable
programs. He was also responsible for: assuring compliance with contracted
agencies; conducting internal reviews of applicable programs; and preparing for
applicable program audits. He was the community liaison developing
collaborative partnerships with external organizations to increase capacity,
with a focus on revenue enhancement for ACNY.
Mr. Romero served as the Assistant Director of Mental Health at the William F.
Ryan Community Health Center in New York City, one of the nation’s largest and
most comprehensive community-based health organizations. As the Inpatient
Programs Manager at the Ellis Hospital Department of Psychiatry, in
Schenectady, NY, he was directly involved with health care delivery systems,
especially as they relate to managed care and quality assurance, Medicaid, and
other issues of health care reform.
Mr. Romero has served on the board of many professional committees, advisory
boards, and commissions (at the state and local levels) that address both local
and regional issues related to the field of alcohol and substance abuse and
prevention, as well as allied social and educational issues. In 1997, he
received, by a public vote, the prestigious appointment to the New York State
Board of Regents to the Committee of Professional Assistance Program under the
Office of the Professions, where he served in many capacities including Chair
of the Committee. He has been invited to offer reports and testimony before
various committees both in his capacity as Deputy Director of the Alcoholism
Council of New York, and as a member of the substance abuse prevention/
treatment community.
Mr. Romero received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from
Cathedral College and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Manhattan
College. He received postgraduate training at the State University of New York
(SUNY), Albany Campus.
We want others to know about your program! We invite you to submit
information regarding the special work that your program is doing. Please send
us the following: name of program, location, contact person and contact
information, and a 50-word summary highlighting the program’s mission and
achievements!
Calendar
April 2006
“Natural Bridges: Preparing for an Aging South”
Southern Gerontological Society 27th Annual Meeting
April 5-8, 2006
Lexington, KY
http://www.wfu.edu/academics/gerontology/sgs/
National Alcohol Screening Day
Screening for Mental Health
April 6, 2006
http://www.alcoholscreeningday.org
World Health Day
World Health Organization
April 7, 2006
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2006/en/
Successful Strategies for Generations of Change:
A Roadmap for the Hispanic Community
National Hispanic Council on Aging
9th Annual Conference
April 7–9, 2006
Miami, FL
http://www.nhcoa.org/
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) Legislative Briefing
April 11, 2006
Washington, DC
For further information,
contact: khertz@n4a.org
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
6th Clinical Team Conference
April 21-23, 2006
Atlanta, GA
http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4202&openpage=4202
National Law and Aging Conference 2006
April 19-23, 2006
Arlington, VA
http://aarpnltp.grovesite.com/
National Aging and Addiction Conference
“Alive and Kickin”
Hanley Center
April 28-29, 2006
West Palm Beach, FL
http://www.hanleycenter.org/NAAC/
National Alcohol Awareness Month
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
April 2006
http://www.ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/aprilalcohol/
May 2006
SAMHSA Older Americans TAC
Expert Panel Meeting
May 9-10, 2006
Rockville, MD
National Women’s Health Week
National Women’s Health Information Center
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 14-20, 2006
http://www.4woman.gov/
“The Sun Shines Brighter at Home”
21st National Home and Community Based Services Waiver Conference
May 15-18, 2006
http://www.nasua.org/waiverconference
National Senior Health and Fitness Day
Mature Market Resource Center
May 31, 2006
http://www.fitnessday.com/senior/index.htm
World No Tobacco Day
Coalition for World No Tobacco Day
May 31, 2006
http://www.wntd.com/
Healthy Vision Month
National Eye Institute
May 2006
http://www.healthyvision2010.org/
National Arthritis Month
Arthritis Foundation
May 2006
http://www.arthritis.org/
National High Blood Pressure Education Month
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 2006
http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/nhbpep_kit/
National Mental Health Month
National Mental Health Association
May 2006
http://www.nmha.org/may/index.cfm
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Osteoporosis Foundation
May 2006
http://www.nof.org/
National Stroke Awareness Month
National Stroke Association
May 2006
http://www.stroke.org/
Older Americans Month
Administration on Aging
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 2006
http://www.aoa.gov/press/oam/oam.asp
STAFF
Older Americans Substance Abuse & Mental Health Technical Assistance
Center
Lisa Patton, PhD, Project Director
Dianne McElroy, MA, Project Manager
Megan Martin, Research Associate
David Snipes, MS, Research Associate
Kerry Crawford, Research Assistant
Stephen J. Bartels, MD, MS, Scientific Co-Director
Frederic C. Blow, PhD, Scientific Co-Director
Laurie M. Brockmann, MPH, MSW, Research Associate
Aricca D. Van Citters, MS, Research Associate
Garrett Moran, PhD, Corporate Monitor
CONTACT US
For more information regarding any of the topics in this issue or other
questions and comments, please contact:
Dianne McElroy, MA
Project Manager
OlderAmericansTAC@westat.com
1 888-281-8010
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