NATIONAL OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 2020

Combating Social Isolation for Seniors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Thursday, May 7, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Join SAMHSA, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (NCMHA) for a thoughtful discussion, including practical ideas to promote connection and recovery for older adults with serious mental illness and substance use disorders, during this unprecedented time in our history.

Suicide, depression, anxiety, and problems with alcohol and medications are issues that older adults face. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that by 2030, there will be nearly 75 million Americans over age 65. A 2012 study from the Institute of Medicine found that nearly one in five older Americans has one or more mental health/substance use conditions. According to 2018 data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and reported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, adults in the 75-84 and 85 and older age groups are among those with the highest rates of suicide.

Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020 will include important remarks from Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use – Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Aging – Mr. Lance Robertson, and the latest information on coping with social isolation and loneliness from University of California San Diego Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Dilip Jeste.

Registration Link 

For more information on COVID-19 Response resources see:

SAMHSA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance and Resources

SAMHSA recognizes the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 situation and is providing guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states across the country. SAMHSA stands ready to assist in any manner possible.
 
ACL Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance and Resources
Guidance and resources for older adults, providers, communities, and states.
 
VA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
VA’s Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) webpage has the most current information and VA’s Coronavirus FAQs page provides answers to many important questions. Read the latest VA information regarding coronavirus and mental health here.