Chronic Disease Self-Management Education CDSME State Grants - Oregon’s health authority has invested in promoting behavioral health and aging by funding three programs in partnership with the Institute on Aging (IOA) at Portland State University. This proposed project builds on 1) the Oregon Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative 2) Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Aging and 3) behavioral health and aging training modules. The outcome of Promoting Older Adult Behavioral Health Wellness in Oregon builds on the IOA’s work by increasing the number of older adults and people living with disabilities participating in structured evidence-based chronic disease self-management education (CDSME) and self-management support programs to address behavioral health challenges, specifically depression and substance use disorders. Within six months of award, the program will begin to deliver the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) to empower participants to improve their mental wellbeing by developing problem-solving skills, engaging in social and physical activities, and adopting behavioral techniques and coping strategies. Our statewide program will address stressors including the onset of a chronic condition/disability or a sudden change in housing status, such as moving to a community-based care setting. Our 18 confirmed key partners include aging networks, quality improvement organizations, professional associations and providers, and senior centers. Coaches will deliver PEARLS to 360 total participants / 252 completers in assisted living and adult foster homes (Year 1: 90 participants / 63 completers; Year 2: 90 participants / 63 completers; Year 3: 180 participants / 126 completers), and deliver WRAP to 480 total participants / 336 completers (Year 1: 120 participants / 84 completers; Year 2: 120 participants / 84 completers; Year 3: 240 participants / 168 completers) at senior centers. This project disseminates resources to aging and behavioral health professionals to expand WRAP and PEARLS and increases the number of PEARLS coaches and WRAP facilitators in Oregon.
