AMSS Breaking News

Between 2018 and 2021, AMSS held a series of countywide community dialogues, forums, roundtable discussions, and webinars to identify key issues of concern for the county’s older communities of color,

Participants included: policymakers, researchers, service providers, interfaith and community leaders, and diverse seniors and their families who helped identify key issues of concern.

Mental health-related issues emerged as urgent and primary concerns to the participants. 

AMSS Priority Mental Health Recommendations for 2024 

Short-Term Action Plans 

1. Develop Culturally Sensitive Health and Long-term Care Training Curriculum for community leaders, caregivers, AMSS Ambassadors, and assisted living facilities staff for addressing key Mental Health issues including stigmas and cultural barriers 

• In partnership with the State of Maryland Behavioral Health Administration; Mental Health Association of Maryland; HHS Behavioral Health and Crises Services; Aging and Disability Services; Primary Care Coalition (PCC); and other public & private organizations and training institutes including Montgomery College/ Triumph Training and Services 

1. Conduct Countywide Mental Health Outreach and Education targeting older communities of color 

• In partnership with PCC Clinics and hospitals, the Muslim Community Center Medical Clinic, the county’s 11 Islamic centers, the DHHS crisis center, HHS Aging and Disability Services, HOC, Affiliated Sante Group, Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, MEAAG an action plan with timelines.

1. Enhance AMSS Website's Mental Health Information and Resources In Support of Older Communities of color and their Caregivers

• Train community leaders, including imams, to access AMSS Website information and mental health resources. 

• Identify individuals who will be responsible and ensure resources on the website are kept up to date.

Long-Term Action Plans

• The Development of Culturally Sensitive and Affordable Living Facilities for Older Persons with Behavioral Health Challenges Including:  

1- A collaborative, culturally sensitive group home near a faith-based center; and or

2- A culturally sensitive assisted living facility

3- An adult medical daycare center supported by the county’s Islamic centers.

4- Residential options/placements (i.e., assisted living facilities) for older adults living with behavioral health (BH) disorders.

5- Access services for adults with BH disorders and intellectual disabilities.

• In partnership with pertinent state and local government agencies and the private and non-profit sectors. Including Mental Health Groups, The Alzheimer’s Association, and PCC to help establish more residential options/funding for insured and uninsured applicants with BH disorders and intellectual disabilities.