New Blog and Updated Issue Brief (January, 2025)

New Blog: MPAs in Action - Incorporating Behavioral Health in Oklahoma

In this new ASA Generations Now blog, West Health interviewed Karen Orsi, director of the Oklahoma Mental Health and Aging Coalition. The blog provides a summary of how Oklahoma was able to elevate mental health for older adults as a key issue being addressed in their MPA. To read the blog, click here. 

Updated Brief - MPAs: Paving the Way for Healthy Aging

Check out this updated issue brief that explores common elements across the ten states with MPAs, as well as a typical timeline and development process. The brief now includes a "state spotlight" for Minnesota, the latest state to publish their MPA. Read the full brief here. 

Sessions and MPA Meeting at On Aging 2025

Join us in Orlando from April 21-24 for the American Society on Aging's annual conference. Click here to register. If you are going, be sure to attend the following session: 

Got Data? A new national dashboard for informing aging policy and programs: April 23, 9:30-10:30 am 
Do you need data to support your goals, make your case to policymakers, or describe the needs of your community? In the US, data on populations are often fragmented across locations, themes, and demographics. This fragmentation can make it difficult to determine and communicate how best to holistically target the needs of all populations. To help fill this gap, West Health created a first-of-its-kind national aging data dashboard, which includes national, state, and local data across a wide variety of demographics and indicators, with a special focus on issues related to aging and disability. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the dashboard with its creators and offer input that can help strengthen its next iteration.

Additionally, there will be a meeting for CHCS MPA Learning Collaborative States on April 25 from 8 am - 12 pm. This meeting, hosted by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), is a great opportunity for MPA Learning Collaborative states in cohorts 1, 2, and 3 to meet and learn from each other. For more information, contact CHCS

Contact us

For questions, comments, or suggestions related to MPAs or the newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us at MPA@westhealth.org.