Programs and Services
OVERVIEW
There are nearly 260,000 Black residents of NYC who are age 65 and older representing approximately twenty percent of the City’s older adult population. It is estimated that between fifteen and twenty-five percent of older adults will experience mental health problems. Yet, indications are that Black elders are not accessing needed mental health care.
Therefore, the Coalition devotes its efforts toward:
• Advocacy
• Caregiver Support
• Consultation
• Family Support
• Information/Referral
• Network Development
• Outreach
• Promoting Best/Promising Practices
• Training/Education
• Workforce Development
THE ELEANOR BUMPURS AWARD
Eleanor Bumpurs (August 22 1918-Octuber 29 1984)
Ms. Bumpurs, an African American elder suffering from mental illness was shot dead by police officers called to assist in a city-ordered eviction from her NYC Housing Authority apartment. She was four months behind in her rent.
The Eleanor Bumpurs Award is bestowed, in her honor to those who have shown distinguished service and commitment to improving behavioral health services and quality of life for the Black community, especially for Black Elders.
This award has been presented to a wide array of professionals, and community leaders including physicians, Social Workers, Nurses, Politicians and others in the community dedicated to serve and protect our Black Elders.