APA Public Policy Office
Older Americans Act/Positive Aging Act Update
June 28, 2006
Recently, the Senate HELP Committee passed their bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (S. 3570), which included significant language from Title I of the Positive Aging Act (S. 1116). This language would authorize grants to states for the development and operation of:
- systems for the delivery of mental health screening and treatment services for older adults
- programs to increase public awareness, reduce stigma, and reduce age-related prejudice and discrimination regarding mental disorders in older adults.
We are delighted that this language was included in the Senate bill and are grateful to the Positive Aging Act co-sponsors, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Susan Collins for their ongoing commitment to mental health and aging issues. We are also pleased to note that tomorrow, APA member, Donna Rasin-Waters, Ph.D., will participate as a mental health and aging expert during Senator Clinton's press conference regarding this legislation.
APA's efforts will now focus on supporting the Senate language (which is more comprehensive than the language in the House bill) as the House and Senate negotiate the final legislation. We look forward to continuing to work with you on this important issue!
Thanks for your all of your wonderful work, Diane
Diane Elmore, Ph.D. Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer Public Policy Office American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 336-6104 (202) 336-6063 Fax
