Building the Older Adult Behavioral Health Workforce: Oregon’s Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging
2024

Building the Older Adult Behavioral Health Workforce in Oregon

Sample size: 15 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Brandis Leah, Dawson Walter, Stodola Allyson, Himes Dani, Dhar Nirmala, Smith Lindsey, Carder Paula

Primary Institution: OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States

Hypothesis

The establishment of the Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral & Aging will enhance the capacity of the workforce to support older adults with behavioral health needs.

Conclusion

The Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral & Aging aims to improve workforce training and collaboration to better support older adults with behavioral health issues.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adult Oregonians have a 26% prevalence of anxiety disorders.
  • Oregon has the 4th highest rate in the nation for older adult deaths due to intentional self-harm.
  • The coalition will meet quarterly to share training opportunities and identify gaps.

Takeaway

Oregon is creating a team to help older people with mental health problems by training more workers to support them.

Methodology

A coalition of 15 organizations is formed to align workforce training efforts and develop a comprehensive training plan over four years.

Participant Demographics

Older adults in Oregon, particularly those with behavioral health needs.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4136

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