The Mental Health and Aging Network Award recognizes outstanding programs and services in mental health and aging within the membership of ASA. Awardees must have made significant contributions or exemplary service to the mental health of older adults, including dementia care, through research, education, policy planning, advocacy or mental health services. The programs must be able to demonstrate effectiveness, and include diverse or underserved populations. Winners will be honored by the Mental Health and Aging Network at the AiA conference. 

2012 Mental Health and Aging Award Winner

Anita L. Rosen, PhD, MSW

Anita Rosen accepting the Mental Health and Aging Award at the 2012 Aging in America Confernece in Washington DC

Anita Rosen began her career at the nation’s first Settlement House, Hull House, and is now a retired professional volunteer and consultant. She serves the American Society on Aging as representative to the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, and the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (currently vice chair). She is a member of ASA’s Policy Response Team, Public Policy Committee, and Mental Health and Aging Network Council. She is an editorial reviewer of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work and Families in Society and is Adjunct Faculty in Social Work for George Mason University.

Her 48-year career included her work as director of special projects at the Council on Social Work  Education where she coordinated the John A. Hartford Foundation initiative to strengthen social work gerontology competence. She was largely responsible for development of the first national social work and  gerontology competency project and a teaching resource compendium. She taught over 500 social work faculty through aging infusion curriculum workshops.

Dr. Rosen was senior staff associate in aging policy and practice for the National Association of Social Workers where she represented NASW to a variety of government agencies and accrediting organizations and served on national consensus panels. She was a reviewer for AHQR Clinical Practice Guideline for Alzheimer’s and dementia, expert panelist for TIPS 26 on alcohol and substance abuse among older adults, and delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging.

She is the author of over 40 publications, numerous professional presentations, and recipient of  leadership awards from AGESW and the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Directors.