OHSU, PSU open new center for behavioral health and aging

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, America is facing a rapidly aging population and Oregon is right at the center of it.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, America is facing a rapidly aging population and Oregon is right at the center of it.

By 2030, nearly one in five Americans will be 65 or older, the report said.

With this shift comes an increased need for access to behavioral health resources, including treatment for substance abuse disorders and mental illness.

However, experts say sometimes those resources are inaccessible or underutilized.

Now, Portland State University and Oregon Health and Science University have teamed up and launched an effort to address those needs.

Walt Dawson, co-director of the Oregon Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health and Aging, joined AM Extra to talk more about the new center.

Watch the full video in the player above.