Learn about the latest research, innovative programs, and news related to older adult behavioral health, and see what experience our steering committee and leadership committee members bring to the Center.
Innovative Programs
Oregon Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative
The Behavioral Health Initiative for Older Adults and People with Physical Disabilities, funded by the Oregon Health Authority, has professionals who specialize in behavioral health for older adults and people with disabilities in local and regional community mental health programs around the state.
Promoting Older Adult Wellness and Evidence-Based Resources in Oregon
OCEBHA's 3-year grant awarded by the ACL will increase the number of older adults and people with disabilities in Oregon participating in structured evidence-based CDSME and self-management support programs to address behavioral health challenges like depression and substance use disorders.
Oregon Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP)
Oregon GWEP is a collaborative education and partnership program designed to improve knowledge and skills around older adult care. We work with primary care teams and the community to increase their confidence to provide age-friendly care. Funding runs through June 2029.
Quarterly Newsletters Archive
OCEBHA's Quarterly Newsletter archive highlights key topics related to behavioral health and aging, with special emphasis on emerging research and innovative programs that address the behavioral health needs of older adults.
Monthly Newsletters Archive
Each month, we send out a brief newsletter highlighting some of the last month’s important news and applicable research in behavioral health and aging, and events and opportunities for the upcoming month.
Older Adult Behavioral Health Screening Tools for Clinicians
This resource contains a set of screening and assessment tools that may be used by professionals who work with older adults who may have behavioral health needs, such as depression, agitation, etc.
Study: The Dementia Care Partner Hub
Sherril Gelmon, Jenn Reed, and OCEBHA Co-Director Walter Dawson developed the Dementia Care Partner Hub as a "one-stop shop" to connect dementia care partners and services providers with information and resources, meeting a need that is not currently addressed in many communities. Published 4/2025
Study: Feasibility of Telephone-Based Cognitive Assessments...
Wider screening and assessment for Alzheimer's disease may increase access to supportive care. A study by OCEBHA Co-Director Walter Dawson et al. assessed the feasibility of recruiting older adults for telephone-based trials and administering telephone-based cognitive assessments. Published 4/2025
Impact of traumatic brain injury on risk for schizophrenia and bipolar
The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on subsequent risk of schizophrenia (SCZ) or bipolar disorder (BD) remains contested. Possible genetic and environmental confounding effects have also been understudied. The researchers investigate the impact of TBI on the risk of SCZ and BD.
Social connection and Oregon Senior Loneliness Line
This research article explores Connection Planning, implemented to the Senior Loneliness Line, a theory-based and evidence-informed behavioral strategy for promoting feelings of social connection for older adults in Oregon.
Behavioral Health Services and Older Adults: Coordinating Care
This resources provides a description of the shifting demographics of older adults in the US and older adults served by the public mental health system. It discusses which state mental health agencies (SMHAs) can coordinate policy and care with other agencies.
OCEBHA Equity Framework (PDF)
The OCEBHA Equity Framework provides a structured approach to addressing inequities in aging and behavioral health services, emphasizing inclusion, accessibility, and continuous learning. It outlines key considerations such as policy barriers, systemic biases, and collaborative solutions to create more equitable and inclusive programs.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is a partnership with local leaders in older adult and behavioral health services. Pivotal to the leadership of OCEBHA, they contribute diverse professional, identity, and community perspectives that help guide the activities of the Center.
Dannielle Brown, LPC
CCO Behavioral Health Director
PacificSource Health Plans
Nirmala Dhar, LCSW, ACSW
Older Adult Behavioral Health Lead Strategist,
Older Adult BH Initiative Project Director,
PASRR Level II (SMI) State Coordinator,
CDC Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Team Oregon Healthy Brain Initiative Team (BOLD)
Rod Harwood, QMHP-C
Older Adult Behavioral Health Coordinator Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Inc. (GOBHI)
Serena Hasworth, MPH
Program Director Better with Age Initiative Research Associate Portland State University Institute on Aging
Melinda Hicks, PPS
Peer Support Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon
Teresa Hogue
Executive Director Redmond Senior Center
Laura Hunker, LCSW
Tribal Affairs Consultant, Aging and People with Disabilities,
Oregon Department of Human Services
Mary Jaeger, MPA, MSG
External Affairs Director Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services
Peggy Maguire, JD
Board Chair and President Cambia Health Foundation
Mary J. Mayer, USAF (Ret)
Commissioner Governor's Commission on Senior Services
Maureen Nash, MD, MS, FAPA, FACP, DFAAGP
Medical Director, Providence ElderPlace PACE Oregon
Angela Neal
Executive Director Oregon Care Partners
Troy Preble BAAS, CRM
Manager of Aging Well Programming Cascade AIDS Project
Cherryl Ramirez, MPH, MPA
Executive Director
Association of Oregon Community
Mental Health Programs
Bandana Shrestha
State Director AARP Oregon
Laura Suarez, LCSW, LICSW, CADC II
Social Work Manager,
Transitional Care Program Manager,
Division of Care Management, Oregon Health & Science University
Oliver Wallace, BS
Case Manager, Friendly House
Keren Brown Wilson, PhD
Founder and Board Chair, AGE+
Founder and CEO, The Jessie F. Richardson Foundation
Leadership Academy
The Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Aging’s Leadership Academy is a yearly, cohort-based program focused on developing leaders in the fields of behavioral health and aging. The Leadership Academy is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and leadership skills through collaborative learning with peers across the state.