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Mission: The overarching mission of SUNSHINE is to advance aging resilience by integrating healthcare systems, public health organizations, social service agencies, and community-based resources to enhance the well-being of older adults and their care partners and maximize societal value.
SUNSHINE's Pillar's
Healthcare Systems, Social Services, and Public Health Support
Social and Behavioral Factors of Health Across the Life Course
Cognitive and Behavioral Health
Population-Level Interventions and Resilience
“Our ultimate goal is happy, healthy and well-supported aging for everyone,” said Dr. Jie Chen,
SUNSHINE's Leadership - Three Co-Principal Investigators
Jie Chen
Director, Center on Aging
Rozalina McCoy
Stephen B. Thomas
Director, Center for Health Equity
1st Cohort of Pilots
Steuart, Shelby: The Impact of Telehealth Policy and Mental Health Care for Older Adults
This pilot study investigates the impact of recent telehealth policy expansions on behavioral health care access and treatment among older adults with substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions—populations that have seen rising but underdiagnosed and undertreated needs, especially in the past 5-6 years. Using Medicare claims data and advanced econometric methods, the study will (1) assess how telehealth policies influence service utilization, such as outpatient therapy and substance use treatment, and (2) evaluate whether telehealth access improves initiation and adherence to behavioral health medications. The goal is to generate actionable, population-level evidence to inform future policies and interventions that improve care access, quality, and outcomes for older adults with complex behavioral health needs.
Connolly, Margaret: Optimization of Biologic Therapy Implementation for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Older Adults
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Partnerships with SUNSHINE
