Mental Health and Aging Coalition

For more than 20 years the Mental Health and Aging Coalition has provided a forum for behavioral health advocates, consumers, family members, providers, professional associations and government agencies to work together in advancing policies and practices that address the unique mental health and substance use needs of older Marylanders. 

Our Impact 

The Mental Health and Aging Coalition has a long record of success. 

• Training – Developed and implemented the older adult module for Mental Health First Aid USA (MHFA) 

• Education – Developed and distributed the Older Adult Guidebook, a comprehensive resource manual now in its 3rd reprint (with over 30,000 copies distributed to date).

• Care Transitions – Established regional Geriatric Behavioral Health Specialists to improve transitions for older Marylanders as they move across systems and settings. 

• System Enhancement – Advocated successfully to modernize Maryland’s process for screening individuals referred for placement in nursing facilities to ensure the appropriateness of those referrals. 

• Dignity and Autonomy – Supported the successful passage of legislation to increase utilization of Mental Health Advance Directives and authorize the use of supported decision-making agreements as an alternative to guardianship. 

• Service Coordination – Advocated for the establishment of a state-led, interagency planning process designed to address the unique behavioral health needs of older Marylanders and informed the development of the subsequent Longevity Ready Maryland service coordination initiative. 

For More Information 

Ann Geddes
Director of Child and Older Adult Policy
ageddes@mhamd.org