Addressing Elevated Social Isolation & Behavioral Health Issues In Seniors

On April 12 David Nater, Plan President of Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, hosted a virtual panel addressing the social isolation and behavioral health issues of New Mexico seniors.

The event featured keynote remarks from Cabinet Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez of the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. The expert panel also included Anna Sanchez, Director of Senior Affairs for the City of Albuquerque, and Lena Ernst, Founder & Clinical Director of Retreat Healthcare. Panelists discussed historical social isolation challenges in New Mexico’s senior population and factors that exacerbate them, the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in elevating social isolation and behavioral health issues, and best practices to prevent social isolation and address behavioral health issues among seniors.