From: Elmore, Diane Subject: Positive Aging Act Provisions Included in Older Americans Act Reauthorization
In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 30, Congress passed the bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (H.R. 6197). We are delighted to announce that significant language from the Positive Aging Act was included in the reauthorization. Specifically, these new provisions authorize:
- the designation of an officer at the Administration on Aging to be responsible for mental health services authorized under the Older Americans Act; - competitive grants to states for the development and operation of systems for the delivery of mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; and - competitive grants to states for programs to increase public awareness regarding the benefits of mental health prevention and treatment in older adults, reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders in older adults, and reduce age-related prejudice and discrimination regarding mental disorders in older adults.
In addition to the Positive Aging Act provisions, this Older Americans Act reauthorization included further language in support of mental health; new elder abuse, neglect and exploitation provisions from the Elder Justice Act; increased authorization of appropriations for programs to support family caregivers; and language to support home and community based long-term care for older adults.
As you know, APA has been working in support of the Positive Aging Act since 2002. Over the last several years, members of the APA Committee on Aging (CONA), Divisions 12-II and 20, and the geropsychology community at-large have made extraordinary contributions to our advocacy efforts by providing expertise and guidance, reviewing and drafting legislative language, contacting members of Congress, and testifying at congressional hearings and briefings. In fact, in the final days before passage of the bill, CONA members solidified their commitment to this legislation by meeting with congressional leaders in Washington, DC to ensure the inclusion of the Positive Aging Act provisions. The Public Policy Office is extremely grateful to CONA (past and present) and the geropsychology community for all of these extraordinary efforts in support of this important policy initiative.
Finally, we would like to express our tremendous appreciation to Deborah DiGilio, Director of the APA Office on Aging, for her steadfast support, expertise, and collaboration.
This has truly been a team effort and we couldn't have done this without all of you!
Many thanks,
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 delmore@apa.org
