The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67673

Elaine Jurkowski, PhD, School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University, Quigley 4, M/C 4329, Carbondale, IL 62901, Cherie Green, Certificate in Gerontology Program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Quigely 4, M/C 4329, Carbondale, IL 62901, 618-201-0733, cherugr@yahoo.com, and Tsukasa Okino, Department of Health Education, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, M/C 4329, Carbondale, IL 62901.

Advances in medical technologies and improvements in public health conditions for communities globally has led to increased life span and longevity. Despite these advances our understanding of mental health issues and the elderly remain limited. Consequently, the development of resources which support the mental health needs of older adults to be used by professionals, care-givers and consumers is necessary. This presentation will highlight a web site and web based tools developed by a multi disciplinary team of professionals, with a goal of devising easily accessible resources for professionals and consumers living in rural communities and isolated rural settings. The site was developed initially as a media assignment during a Mental Health and Aging course, and has evolved into an interactive website for multiple user groups. Formative evaluation will showcase the impact of this web based resource, and identify future directions for this resource in rural communities. Recommendations for further development and partnerships to promote the use of the site will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify three barriers to understanding the true incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in older adults residing in rural communities.
• Identify three issues which face older adults living in rural communities, when accessing mental health services.
• Understand at least three ways a web based resource can provide resources, information and support to professionals, caregivers and older adults in the future.

Keywords: World Wide Web, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.