About AAAG

The Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group (AAAG), a national and state award winning group, was founded in 2007 by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to address the hidden epidemic of alcohol and medication misuse among older adults. The AAAG's vision is: Virginians aging successfully, safe from alcohol and medication misuse. The mission of the AAAG is to be the leader in providing education, training and resources on the use of alcohol and medication as adults age. Since its founding, the AAAG has supplied more than 200,000 pieces of educational resources and held numerous professional trainings on the topic of alcohol and medication misuse for older adults and their service providers.

2011 Conference

The Hidden Epidemic: Alcohol, Medication and the Older Adult, September 22, 2011, Fairfax, Virginia.

Nationally recognized keynote speaker Kristen Lawton Barry, Ph.D., University of Michigan, will present along with Patricia Slattum, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University, Constance Coogle, Ph.D., Virginia Center on Aging, and Regina Whitsett, Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and AAAG Chair. The conference will focus on best practices for treating older adults with alcohol and medication misuse disorders. Professionals working with older adults as well as caregivers, family members and advocates are all welcome.

Conference Presentations

For convenience, power point presentations delivered at the Sept. 22, 2011 conference in Fairfax, Va. are available for download below:

• Older Virginians Mental Health Month

Kristen L. Barry, Ph.D., University of Michigan (Keynote Speaker)

• At-Risk Alcohol Use in Older Adults: Background on Problem, Screening, Brief Interventions, Brief Treatments and Mental Health Comorbities
• The Use of Brief Interventions for At-Risk Drinking in Older Adults

Patricia W. Slattum, Pharm.D., Ph.D., CGP, Virginia Commonwealth University (Afternoon session)

• Identifying and Managing Alcohol and Medication Interactions in Older Adults

Constance Coogle, Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University, and Regina Whitsett, Virginia ABC and Chair, Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group (Afternoon session)

• Creating a NOVA Regional AAAG

2011 Conference Registration Form (PDF File)

Save-the-Date Flyer (PDF File)

Help with Downloads

Conference Venue

Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia 22003

Directions to the Fairfax County Government Center Complex

Cost

$20 if registered before August 22, 2011; $30 after August 22, 2011.
Conference fee includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch and certificate of attendance.

Accommodations

A block of rooms has been secured until September 8, 2011 at the Marriott Fairfax at Fair Oaks.

Marriott Fairfax at Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway
Fairfax, VA 22033
Phone: (800) 228-9290

Conference Rate

Reference NOVA Hidden Epidemic Conference to receive a preferred rate of $159 per night plus state and local taxes.

Book online and use the group code NHENHEA. Registrants are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations. Reserve early; space is limited.

More Information

Contact Regina Whitsett at regina.whitsett@abc.virginia.gov; phone: 804-213-4445; fax: 804-213-4457.