Service providers, health care workers, older adults, caregivers and the public need important information about the special needs and considerations of aging bodies and aging minds. We need accurate information to target stigma, myths and stereotypes associated with both aging and mental illness.

Coalition staff tailor educational presentations to the educational levels and learning objectives of the audience. We are unique in our ability to offer a variety of program designs and topic expertise to diverse audiences statewide at little or no cost.

The goals of our educational initiatives are to:

• Empower older adults and their caregivers with education and information on a range of mental health and aging issues including risk factors, symptoms, assessment and treatment options and the hope for recovery
• Educate the general public on the special needs, intergenerational impact and community resources for aging and mental health concerns
• Prepare service providers, health care workers, policy makers and students with psychogeriatric education and resource information

If you are interested in a training or educational presentation by staff, or in joining the Maryland Coalition on Mental Health and Aging, please contact Kim Burton, Director of Older Adult Programs at the Mental Health Association of Maryland at 410-235-1178 x 210 or kburton@mhamd.org.

The Maryland Coalition on Mental Health and Aging and the Mental Health Association of Maryland offer brochures and fact sheets on a wide range of mental health topics free of charge or for a nominal price.