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 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.
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.
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.
2024 Summer Newsletter: Older Adults & Depression
This quarterly newsletter highlights important topics related to behavioral health and aging, with special emphasis on emerging research and innovative programs to support the behavioral health needs of older adults. This issue highlights the latest research related to older adults and depression.
2024 Winter Newsletter: Older Adults & Alcohol Use
This quarterly newsletter highlights important topics related to behavioral health and aging, with special emphasis on emerging research and innovative programs to support the behavioral health needs of older adults. This issue highlights the latest research related to older adults and alcohol use.
2025 Summer Newsletter: Older Adults & Schizophrenia
This quarterly newsletter highlights important topics related to behavioral health and aging, with special emphasis on emerging research and innovative programs to support the behavioral health needs of older adults. This issue highlights the latest research related to older adults and schizophrenia
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
Serious Mental Illness Training & Technical Assistance Center
SMI TTAC provides essential tools, training & resources to enhance the effectiveness of mental healthcare & recovery services for people with serious mental illness & first episode psychosis.
SAMHSA Publishes Guidance on Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults
SAMHSA has released a Dear Colleague Letter offering guidance on benzodiazepine (BZD) use in older adults which highlights the public health importance of reducing long-term BZD use among older adults and promotes patient-centered, evidence-informed strategies for evaluating ongoing BZD use.
Joint Clinical Practice Guidelines on Benzodiazepine Tapering
This Guideline aims to assist clinicians help patients who have developed physical dependence safely taper BZDs while minimizing withdrawal symptoms and associated risks.
My Health Checklist
This guide is designed to help older adults get ready for your medical appointment, by focusing on 4 areas that can
help you think about your health. Being prepared for your appointment can help you get the care that’s right for you. You are part of the team. You can have a say in your care.
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.
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.
lualhati anderson, MSW,QMHP-C, CSWA
OABHI Specialist, Coos & Curry Mental Health Counselor II, Coos Health & Wellness
Elizabeth Bailey, MSW
Social Work Care Manager, PeaceHealth Medical Group
Janelle Cervantes, LCSW
Director of Social Services, Oregon Veterans Home Lebanon
Jim Cole, LP, M.A., NR-P, FP-C, CEMSO
Regional EMS/Injury Prevention Coordinator, PeaceHealth
911 Paramedic/Quality Coordinator, Oakridge Fire & EMS
Erin Collins, MNE, RN, CHPN
Founder, Program Director, The Peaceful Presence Project
Angela Franklin
Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist/Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Options for Southern Oregon
Death Midwife, Journey Home Support Services
Claudia Galdamez, QMHA/CHW
Community Counseling Solutions
Megan Griffiths
Clinical Supervisor, LifeWorks NW
Sarah Haefele
Clinical Supervisor, Deschutes County
Rod Harwood
Sahand Kiafar
Senior Operations & Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority
Jessica Lloyd-Rogers
President, Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Council Member,
State Veterans Health Network
Sara Lopez
Social Work Student, Portland State University
Kera Magarill
Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative Program Coordinator,
Oregon Health Authority via Washington County Disability,
Aging and Veteran Services
Ederlinda Ortiz
Transition Services Program Supervisor, Multnomah County
Andy Wallace, MS, QMHP-C
Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist, Washington County Behavioral Health
Tige Wilbanks
Program Analyst, Oregon Health Authority