Strengthening Readiness of the Behavioral Health Workforce Serving Ohio’s Aging Population
Strengthening Readiness of the Behavioral Health Workforce Serving Ohio’s Aging Population supports providers through training and practical assistance to address age bias and strengthen care for older adults.
Funder: Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Due Dates: October 19, 2026, by 3 p.m. EDT (Questions) | October 23, 2026, by 3 p.m. EDT (Applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 for one organization; November 2, 2026–June 30, 2027
Summary: Supports training and practical assistance addressing age bias among behavioral health providers serving Ohio’s older adults.
Key Information: Applicants must use AgeSmart Inventory®: A Multifaceted Tool to Understand Age Bias in the proposed training.
Description
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), through its Bureau of Workforce Sustainability in the Office of Community Services, seeks one organization to provide training and support to behavioral health providers serving Ohio’s aging population. The project uses AgeSmart Inventory®: A Multifaceted Tool to Understand Age Bias to help participants examine their perspectives on aging and adopt a strength-based approach to care.
Training must address ageism’s definitions, forms, and prevalence, along with its effects on healthcare costs, longevity, and diagnostic accuracy. It should include clinical case examples, tools for immediate implementation, and opportunities for personal reflection. Participants should gain practical strategies for reframing aging, incorporating age-positive messaging, adjusting organizational culture, modifying language, and integrating new knowledge into clinical interactions.
