The at the University of Louisville is working to meet this need in rural Kentucky. This fall, the institute will place 38 students specializing in behavioral health into a dozen rural health care sites across 10 rural and underserved communities.

“Older adults are particularly affected by the lack of behavioral health practitioners,” said Anna Faul, PhD, the institute’s executive director. “Isolation and depression are common issues for older adults, with 20 percent of rural older adults diagnosed with depression. Not having access to behavioral health care can severely worsen conditions and lead to physical decline. Furthermore, mobility limitations can make it difficult for older adults to drive long distances to get the care they need.”

Locations where the students will be placed include:

• Kentucky River Medical Practice (Henry County)
• Kentucky One Health Primary Care Associates (Shelby County)
• T. J. Samson Family Medicine Center (covering Barren, Hart, and Metcalfe Counties)
• Exceptional Senior Living (Oldham County)
• Multi-purpose Community Action Agency (Bullitt and Shelby Counties)
• Tri-County Community Action Agency (Oldham and Trimble Counties)

Several practices, while in Jefferson County, serve older adults in rural areas:

• Family Community Clinic (Jefferson County)
• University of Louisville AIM Clinic (Jefferson County)
• University of Louisville Family & Geriatric Practice (Jefferson County)
• University of Louisville PNES Clinic (Jefferson County)
• Park DuValle Community Health Center (Jefferson County)
• Presbyterian Homes and Services of Kentucky (Jefferson County)

A primary goal of this program is to increase the geriatrics behavioral health workforce in rural communities. Both undergraduate and graduate students across multiple disciplines are involved. Many of the masters and doctoral-level students are participating in the institute’s . The internship, funded by a four-year federal grant, is part of the institute’s , a program focused on team-based care coordination for older adults.

In 2016, the University of Louisville’s Institute for Sustainable Health & Optimal Aging provided underwriting for the final applicants to help move the plates into production and raise awareness of the disease that affects nearly 70,000 Kentuckians.

“Our institute is honored to support the Alzheimer’s Association and all Kentuckians who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease. This license is a powerful symbol of our enduring love for those affected by Alzheimer’s, our unwavering support for their family members, and our commitment to working with our communities and the Alzheimer’s Association to end Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Anna Faul, PhD, executive director of the institute.

“The Alzheimer’s specialty plate has been a dream of ours for years,” said DeeAnna Esslinger, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana chapter. “Not only will the plates be a very visible reminder of those suffering with Alzheimer’s, but their sale will also help raise funds for local education initiatives.”

The license plate features a forget-me-not flower on a purple background with the words: ‘Honor. Remember. Care. End Alzheimer’s.’ Drivers may purchase the plate when renewing their tags at any county clerk office. Specialty plate purchasers also can give an additional $10 donation to help fund Alzheimer’s awareness and education activities in Kentucky.

More information is .��