In the early eighties, there was a concerted effort to improve services for older Floridians including mental health. By the end of the nineties, the network of aging services is still very limited and the one for mental health has virtually disappeared.

A six-year recession in Florida, from 1990 - 1996, resulted in large budget cutbacks in mental health. In addition, money that was categorically reserved for elder programs became lump summed within the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health department budget. As a result, many mental health programs for the elderly lost their funding. The budget shortfall coupled with the designation of children as a target population, redirected the remaining funds.

During this time, there was apparently no voice to speak out for the mental health needs of older Floridians. The Coalition hopes to fill this void. The mission statement outlines its agenda: to work together to improve the availability and quality of mental health and substance abuse services for older Floridians and their families through training, education, research and increased public awareness.

Five work groups have been formed in the areas of Legislative/Policy, Treatment/Services in Long Term Care, Treatment /Services in the Community, Professional Education/Training and Public Education/Prevention/Media.

From a public policy standpoint, the cost of not treating mental illness is very expensive. Depression can lead to self-neglect and the need for nursing home much sooner than expected. Untreated depression and anxiety over chronic physical illnesses adds cost through increased visits to the doctor. Studies have shown that depression and other mental illnesses add to length of stay in hospitals. Assessment and preventive treatment can reduce costs in the long run, as well as tremendously improving a person's quality of life.

For the most part, health problems caused by alcohol or other substance abuse go largely uncalculated. Social isolation and depression can lead to the late-onset of alcohol abuse in the elderly. Alcohol-related falls can lead to hip fractures and other serious injuries leading to costly hospital stays. Another concern is the use of state mental hospital beds for the placement of elderly persons, who may do better in a less costly community placement or nursing home.

A top priority of the Coalition is developing a comprehensive mental health services act for older Floridians and working with the State's legislators on implementing this change in public policy