Get Connected: Linking Older Adults with Resources on Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health - Bergen County
2025-09-26 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 340 Outwater Lane, Garfield, NJ 07026 US
Alcohol and medication misuse and mental health conditions can be significant problems for older adults. Our growing life expectancy, coupled with the aging of the “baby boom” generation make the need to address these issues more critical than ever before. As with other age groups, by preventing these problems from occurring in the first place, and by addressing them promptly when they do arise, we can enhance the lives and health of millions of older Americans. The Get Connected program was created to help health, social, and aging services providers learn more about alcohol and medication misuse and mental health conditions in older adults so they can address these issues more effectively. It has been designed to help health and aging services providers undertake health promotion, advance prevention messages and education, and undertake screening and referral for mental health conditions and the misuse of alcohol and medications.

Breakfast, lunch and continuing education credits provided.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

All participants will receive the Get Connected Toolkit which provides the materials necessary for training staff who work with older adults, as well as, materials to educate older adults.

Presenters:

Stephanie Drag, MA, LAC, CPS
Director of School and Family Services
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, Children's Aid and Family Services

Rosemary Marchetto
Prevention Specialist
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, a program of Children's Aid and Family Services

Marielisa Rosado
Assistant Health Educator
Bergen County Department of Health Services

Panelists:

James Leitch, CPRS
Recovery Specialist
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, Children's Aid and Family Services

Jasmine Takach, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist
The Valley Hospital

Senior Care Pharmacist
Kelsey Bisson, LCSW
Balance and Thrive Counseling

Course Objectives
Participants will be able to:
• Increase understanding that life transitions associated with aging can lead to problems with alcohol and medications.
• Learn the warning signs of an alcohol, medication problem, and mental health conditions and why these signs are hard to detect among older adults.
• Increase awareness that substance misuse and mental health conditions in older adults are not part of the aging process and can be treated.
• Increase awareness that prevention, screening, and treatment are effective for alcohol and mental health conditions, particularly for older adults.
• Increase comfort and confidence in discussing sensitive issues with older adults.

Continuing Education:
NJ-NASW Social Work Credits have been applied for.

Continuing Education Credits applications have been submitted for: The Certification Board of NJ.

This program is being coordinated by The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources in partnership with United for Prevention in Passaic and funded through by a grant through NJDHS - Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

FAQs
How do I request accommodations for a disability?
Building and event space are accessible via wheelchair. Other special accommodations can be made upon request. Contact Donny Bellamy at 201-740-7011 for more information.

I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate me?
Please let us know on the registration form or contact Donny Bellamy at 201-740-7011. We may be able to assist you.

How do I file a grievance or complaint?
TCADR will respond to all complaints in a timely and ethical matter. The Complainant submits a written grievance or complaint to Donny Bellamy at 201-740-7011. If further information is needed, TCADR will contact the complainant and provide an opportunity where the complainant can provide further information. TCADR reviews the available information and determines a course of action/resolution. A response will be sent to the complainant in writing that describes the determination/resolution.
