The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Administration on Aging (AoA) recognize the value of strong partnerships for addressing behavioral health issues among older adults.

This first issue brief is part of a larger collaboration between SAMHSA and AoA to support the planning and coordination of aging and behavioral health services for older adults in states and communities. Through this collaboration, SAMHSA is providing technical expertise and tools, particularly in the areas of suicide, anxiety, depression, alcohol and prescription drug use and misuse among older adults, and partnering with AoA to get these resources into the hands of aging and behavioral health professionals.