Mental health program for older adults comes to Portola – The Plumas Sun

New Mental Health Initiative Advances Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Plumas County

A new partnership between Eastern Plumas Health Care (EPHC) and Senior Life Solutions has been established to provide critical mental health services for older adults. This initiative directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, with a specific focus on mental health.

Program Objectives and Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The Senior Life Solutions program is an outpatient service specifically designed to address the mental health challenges associated with aging, thereby promoting well-being among a vulnerable demographic.

Core Services Offered

To achieve its objectives, the program provides a comprehensive suite of evidence-based treatments delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, and a registered nurse. Key services include:

• Group and individual therapy
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management

Targeted Health Indicators

The program is designed for individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing symptoms that impact their well-being, such as:

• Depression and anxiety
• Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Recent traumatic experiences

Contribution to Broader Sustainable Development Goals

Beyond its primary focus on SDG 3, the initiative contributes to several other global goals.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

By providing specialized care for older adults, the program actively works to reduce health inequalities based on age, ensuring this demographic has access to essential mental health support.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Locating the service at the Portola Medical Clinic enhances the community’s social infrastructure, making it more inclusive and resilient by ensuring vital health services are accessible locally.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration between EPHC and Senior Life Solutions exemplifies SDG 17, demonstrating how strategic partnerships are essential for achieving sustainable development outcomes in community health.

Operational Framework and Accessibility

The program is structured to be both effective and accessible, ensuring barriers to care are minimized.

Program Structure

1. An initial individual assessment is conducted to evaluate patient needs.
2. Participants engage in supportive group therapy sessions up to three times per week.
3. Individual therapy sessions are provided as needed.
4. Medication management and regular check-ins are integrated into the care plan.

Enhancing Access to Care

To further promote inclusivity and align with SDG 10, the program offers teletherapy services, allowing patients to receive support remotely. Referrals are open to all, including healthcare professionals, family members, or friends, simplifying the process of connecting individuals with care.

Conclusion and Program Details

The EPHC Senior Life Solutions program represents a significant step forward in advancing community health and well-being, directly contributing to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The program is located at the Portola Medical Clinic, 500 First Ave., Portola, and is scheduled to begin services in the fall.

For more information or to make a referral, please call 530-832-6780.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The entire article is dedicated to the launch of a new mental health program, “Senior Life Solutions,” by Eastern Plumas Health Care. This program directly addresses the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, with a specific focus on older adults (typically 65 and older). It aims to treat “symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental challenges often associated with aging,” which is a core component of overall health and well-being.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

• The article directly relates to this target by focusing on the promotion of mental health and the treatment of non-communicable mental health conditions. The program is described as an “evidence- and outcomes-based treatment proven to significantly improve the mental health of older adults.” It provides services like therapy and medication management to treat depression and anxiety, thereby actively promoting mental health and well-being within the community.

Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

• The new program increases “access to quality essential health-care services” for a specific vulnerable population—older adults. The article details the provision of essential services such as “group and individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management.” Furthermore, the mention of “teletherapy services” highlights an effort to expand access for those who may not be able to attend in person, contributing to the broader goal of universal health coverage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Implied Indicators for Target 3.4

• Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms: The article lists several “common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety” that the program addresses. These include “Changes in appetite,” “Difficulty sleeping,” “Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks,” and “Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.” A reduction in the prevalence of these specific symptoms among the local elderly population would serve as a direct measure of the program’s success in promoting mental health.
• Improved self-reported well-being: The program’s stated goal is to help older adults “live a happier, healthier life.” Progress could be measured through assessments of participants’ emotional well-being and quality of life before and after participating in the program.

Implied Indicators for Target 3.8

• Availability of specialized mental health professionals: The article indicates an increase in the availability of specialized care by noting that the program’s team includes a “board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse and other professionals.” The existence of this team is an indicator of increased service capacity for the community.
• Number of individuals accessing mental health services: The article encourages referrals from various sources and provides a contact number, implying that the program will track patient intake. The number of older adults who enroll and participate in the Senior Life Solutions program would be a key indicator of increased access to and coverage of essential mental health services.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: plumassun.org