Adelphi University has been awarded more than $94,000 to address geriatric mental health, primarily in the Hudson Valley region of New York state.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation recently announced that Adelphi is a recipient of the grant to advance health and well-being.
The initiative, The Hudson Valley Geriatric Mental Health Initiative, will be led by the Adelphi University School of Social Work and is scheduled to run from January 2026 through December 2026. The effort, which seeks to build capacity among behavioral health providers by enhancing competencies in geriatric mental health, is expected to lead to improved service outcomes and the education of new social workers residing and working in the Hudson Valley.
Adelphi Addresses Long Island and Hudson Valley Mental Health Disparities
Daniel B. Kaplan, PhD, associate professor in Adelphi’s School of Social Work, emphasized the project’s timely significance. “Because of the trend of population aging, it is expected that 35 percent of the population of the Hudson Valley will be 55 and older by the year 2030,” he said. “Mental health disparities in the region are high, and include limited access to specialized care and reliance on emergency rooms during crises. This project will allow us to work directly with leaders from diverse sectors to understand and share news of what is already working well and where to find opportunities for improved practices and policies.”
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation awarded $16 million to 32 organizations, including Adelphi University. The funding is part of more than $142 million for programs across 399 grants designed to support people in need in 2026.
“At a time when many families are being asked to do more with less, the foundation remains focused on showing up in tangible ways for people across New York,” Jennifer Balbach, finance committee chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation board, said in the organization’s news release. “These investments prioritize everyday stability—from access to nutritious food and safe housing to mental health care—and reflect our belief that long-term community well-being starts with practical, people-centered support.”
About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York state that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit cabrinihealth.org.