Key Takeaways

  • This webinar is for stakeholders in the aging services network to learn more about the survey findings and recommendations for addressing the opioid epidemic.

  • Hear the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) explain how local health departments approach opioid use prevention and response.

  • Learn more about how local aging services providers can contribute to this work.

A new survey released by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) reveals an untold story about the nation’s opioid epidemic—how the crisis is eroding the quality of life of older adults and the ability of local organizations to serve them.

NCOA surveyed more than 200 community-based organizations in the aging network from 40 states and Puerto Rico. Among respondents, 70% reported increasing efforts addressing issues related to the opioid epidemic affecting their older adult clients or their caregivers compared to two years ago. Despite this increase, only 28% of respondents said they routinely screen for substance misuse and abuse among the older adults they serve.