The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is a national association representing and serving its members and the field of geriatric psychiatry. It is dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of older people and improving the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP’s mission is to enhance the knowledge base and standard of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is a membership association of nearly 2,000 geriatric psychiatrists and other health care professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad, dedicated to the mental well-being of older adults.
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation was established by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry to raise awareness of psychiatric and mental health disorders affecting the elderly, eliminate the stigma of mental illness and treatment, promote healthy aging strategies, and increase access to quality mental health care for the elderly. The Foundation's vision for America's aging population includes increased public awareness of the importance of mental health in the aging population, removal of stigmas for those seeking mental health services, increased access to quality mental health care for the elderly and the promotion of healthy aging strategies for all seniors, family caregivers, and others devoted to the overall health of our communities.
The Foundation focuses on public education targeted to the health care consumer and family caregiver about mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment. The Foundation develops programs to enhance communication and foster broad collaboration between the geriatric mental health research community, mental health care providers, and the general public. Programmatic themes include public education on depression and the elderly (including depression among caregivers), public education on the behavioral aspects of Alzheimer's and other dementias, reducing the stigma of mental illness in the aging population, prevention strategies for mental illness in the elderly including prevention of suicide and healthy aging and promotion of strong mental health among older people. The Foundation will promote these themes through:
- Development and dissemination of consumer information
- Partnerships with government, private, community and consumer organizations
- Public information campaigns
- Evidence-based tool kits to enhance consumer empowerment and
- The promotion of quality care in long-term care settings.
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation is the only existing foundation solely devoted to mental health and aging. It is uniquely positioned through the collaboration of health care providers and health care consumers to advance mental health and aging issues. Established by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP), the Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors that includes physicians, psychologists, consumers, and advocates. The Foundation is supported by financial contributions from AAGP members, corporations, foundations, and individuals committed to improving the mental health of the elderly.
Organisation
Address: 6728 Old McLean Village Drive - McLean, VA 22101
Country: United States of America
