The WICHE Mental Health Program Staff developed definitions of the key terms inherent in the project: priority population, mental health outreach services, and exemplary practice. Following the definition development, a wide net was cast nationally for identification of exemplary practices through letters to state mental health departments and national advocacy organizations for the mental health of the elderly. In addition, notices were put out through the WICHE World Wide Web and KEN, the CMHS Knowledge Exchange Network. Twenty-three nominations were received for programs with exemplary practices in mental health outreach services to older adults. Each of the programs nominated was sent a letter describing the project and was asked to respond to a questionnaire about their outreach to older adults. After receipt of the program descriptions and answers to follow-up questions, a review was conducted by the project manager and by an expert committee. Based on review criteria, the eight projects described in this brochure were selected and recommended to CMHS as having exemplary mental health outreach services for older adults. The recommendations were accepted by CMHS.
For more information email MentalHealth@wiche.edu