History & Purpose

The core of the coalition is one of partnerships formation both public and private.

After the Bentley College meeting, a core group of advocates began meeting monthly in the Boston area and haven’t missed a month over the last nine years. The membership grew from private agencies, the Massachusetts Association for Older Americans, Massachusetts Councils on Aging, Mass Home Care, Massachusetts Geriatric Substance Abuse Task Force, Boston University Institute of Geriatric Social Work and the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Corporation of Massachusetts. This statewide coalition networked and assisted the development of six regional coalitions. Through this unique arrangement, the issues of elder mental health and substance abuse services have taken on great urgency in the state house and in state government that should be further increased. Some of the goals of the organization are:

  • Brings all parties together to create and implement a state elder mental health system
  • Identifies state and local barriers that impede progress
  • Train and educate anyone and everyone
  • Advocate for the mental health and substance abuse needs all elders regardless acuity
  • Promote prevention, outreach, case management and gatekeeping services
  • Keep talented, key people motivated and working collaboratively
  • Promote promising and evidence base practices
  • Create and maintains partnerships both local and state-wide
  • Analyzes problems, goals and influences policy development
  • Provides frequent and productive communication
  • Enhances community participation
  • Connect to the national movement

Also, see our accomplishments »