HD38 - Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Plan for the Elderly

  • Published: 1990
  • Author: Department for the Aging
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 365 (Regular Session, 1989)

Executive Summary:
The problems of suicide and substance abuse by the elderly have been identified as significant in Virginia. Virginia loses an elder to suicide every 2.9 days. Up to 10% of the elderly population may abuse alcohol and inappropriate use of medications and over-the-counter drugs among the elderly is substantial. The 1989 Session of General Assembly the Department for the Aging to develop a statewide Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Plan.

The Virginia Department for the Aging, with the help of a diverse group of organizations and many state agencies, developed the Plan. The Plan emphasizes further research into the issue, education of health professionals, and public awareness efforts for the elderly, their families and caregivers. The Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Plan compliments the 1990-92 Comprehensive Prevention Plan for Virginia and the 1989 Interagency Comprehensive Substance Abuse Plan.

The Plan identifies nine objectives and thirty-four strategic action steps which can be carried out. This will help reduce the incidence of suicide and substance abuse by the elderly. These strategies relate to four key goals:

Goal A: Learn more about the problem and causes of elderly suicides and substance abuse in Virginia.

Goal B: Improve the ability of citizens of the Commonwealth to help with prevention of elderly suicide and substance abuse.

Goal C: Increase the ability of selected health and human resources professionals to identify and help elderly persons with suicidal tendencies or substance abuse problems.

Goal D: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Plan.

Funding will be required to complete the Plan. However, many strategies can be addressed using current resources. Special resources have already been obtained to address specific strategies. A unique statewide project, using a total of $256,759 Federal and State resources, will address the issue of alcoholism and the elderly in Virginia. Other strategies will require further funding to be accomplished.

The Plan offers a way to help stop the tragedy of suicide for older Virginians. The Plan will also reduce the misery and ill health of older persons in Virginia caused by medication misuse and alcohol abuse.