Older Adult iECHO | Anxious Aging: Practical Tools for Recognition and Relief
Jesse Higgins, RN, MSN, PMHNP, will present on the increasing rates of substance use among older adults compared to previous generations.. A 2022 study found that 1 in 11 adults over the age of 60 had a Substance Use Disorder. This ever-increasing cohort faces unique factors that can impact SUD treatment and outcomes. This ECHO will provide insight into the treatment of SUD in Older Adults, examining individualized care, co-occurring conditions, treatment for substances with the highest prevalence, and end-of-life considerations. This community is often underserved and undertreated for Substance Use Disorder, and this iECHO will equip participants to fill in this treatment gap.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn unique treatment considerations for patients with SUD who are also Older Adults
- Participants will examine how co-occurring conditions impact Older Adults
- Participants will explore specific considerations unique to the Older Adult cohort, like end-of-life care and loss of individuality.
- Participants will examine medication protocols for Older Adult patients with SUD.
September 12, 2025 | End-of-Life Care with SUD with Amelia Hersey, PA-C
October 10, 2025 | “I’m Still Me”: Providing individualized care to Older Adults with SUD with Rhonda Selvin, FNP
November 14, 2025 | Anxious Aging: Practical Tools for Recognition and Relief with Jesse Higgins, RN, MSN, PMHNP
December 12, 2025 | Medications for Older Adults with SUD with Nicolette Centanni, Pharm D, BCPS, BCGP, BCPP
Audience:
Prescribing Clinicians and their teams
Continuing Medical Education:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education and CCSME. The Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education is accredited by the Maine Medical Association Committee on Continuing Medical Education and Accreditation to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education designates this regularly scheduled series for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
*Nurses and Nurse Practitioners will be awarded a certificate of participation with a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™.
This course has been approved by Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1 educational credits. NAADAC Provider #324712, CCSME is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
Contact Hours 1 contact hours for social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and behavioral health professionals.
1 Category 1 Contact hours for psychologists. CCSME is a pre-approved sponsor and provider of Professional Education Activities for Psychologists.
1 contract hours CHES. CCSME is a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Speaker
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Jesse Higgins RN PMHNP-BC MPHJesse Higgins RN, PMHNP-BC, MPH is the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health at Northern Light Acadia Hospital in Bangor, Maine. An Acadia provider since 2010, Jesse has practiced consultative psychiatry in integrated medical settings since 2011. She developed and directs a state-wide virtual program that integrates therapists and psychiatric practitioners in outpatient healthcare settings. Jesse is a clinical leader, consultant, and national speaker on topics that include trauma-informed care, women’s health, and strengthening rural communities to effectively engage and support people affected by mental illness and addiction.
