National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Event Livestream

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Administration for Community Living (ACL), along with the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging, will host a live-streamed webcast of the inaugural National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day on May 18. The event intends to raise public awareness about the mental health of older Americans and encourage action to address their needs. Experts will talk about evidence-based strategies to mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for older adults. The panel will showcase the work of the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee and offer guidance for people seeking treatment and services. It is estimated that about 75 million Americans older than 65 will be present by 2030, while the population of older adults needing treatment for serious mental illness and substance use disorders also will increase. Depression, anxiety, and the inappropriate mixing of medication and alcohol are linked with higher healthcare use and reduced quality of life. ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging Lance Robertson will be a featured speaker at the event, seats for which can be reserved here .