Next Generation Behavioral Health & Wellness (TCMI-Next)

2025 – 2028

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Texas Congregate Meal Initiative: Next Generation Behavioral Health & Wellness (TCMI–Next) is designed to strengthen Senior Nutrition Programs (SNPs) statewide to better support older adults experiencing behavioral health conditions, including depression and anxiety. 

The initiative uses a phased, mixed-methods approach to assess needs, build capacity, implement context-driven interventions, and evaluate outcomes across 16 congregate meal pilot sites in Texas. Core project activities include a statewide needs assessment of older adults, SNP staff, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and health providers; targeted training for staff and subgrantees; implementation and evaluation of behavioral health and wellness interventions using validated screening tools; and the development of Section 508–compliant dissemination resources to support replication and sustainability. TCMI–Next aims to improve quality of life for older Texans and strengthen the role of congregate meal sites as community-based hubs for wellness and support. 

RESEARCH TEAM

• Nandita Chaudhuri, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator)

• Andrea Sesock

• Anthony Jackson

• Jingyan Xia

• Carol Zernial

• Precious-Junia de-Winton Cummings

• Linda Netterville

• Dr. Paul Busch

• Dr. Sumathi Venkatesh

• Tim Getty

SPONSORS

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APPROACH

This study uses a multi-phase, participatory approach to assess behavioral health needs and co-develop feasible, community-driven interventions within Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) sites across Texas. In Phase 1, older adults, SNP and Area Agency on Aging staff, and healthcare providers complete role-specific statewide needs assessment surveys to identify behavioral health needs, service gaps, site readiness, and opportunities for cross-sector coordination. Phase 2 engages selected SNP staff in virtual co-design focus groups to review survey findings and collaboratively identify behavioral health intervention models. 

In Phase 3, participating SNP sites implement selected wellness interventions (e.g., yoga, peer support, storytelling) over a four-week period, with older adult participants completing pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess changes in emotional well-being and engagement. Implementation fidelity, feasibility, and outcomes are documented through staff tracking logs and reflection surveys. Throughout the study, virtual Learning Collaborative sessions will support shared learning, continuous improvement, and the strengthening of sustainable behavioral health supports across diverse SNP sites statewide. 

Program & Partner Details

  • 16 congregate meal pilot sites statewide; the geographic representation includes: 
      Urban: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio 
      Suburban: Waco, Brownwood, Victoria 
      Frontier: Panhandle 
      Border: El Paso, Rio Grande Valley
  • Older adults participating in congregate meal programs
  • Senior Nutrition Program staff and site managers
  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
  • Behavioral health and healthcare providers 
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Objectives

GOALS

  • Assess behavioral health needs, barriers, and facilitators among older adults participating in SNPs 
  • Evaluate SNP and AAA readiness to address behavioral health and wellness needs 
  • Strengthen staff capacity to identify, support, and refer older adults with behavioral health concerns 
  • Co-design and implement feasible, community-driven behavioral health interventions 
  • Improve coordination between aging services and behavioral health providers 
  • Develop sustainable and replicable models for behavioral health integration within congregate meal sites 

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Findings and conclusions reflect the perspectives of the research team and participating stakeholders and do not necessarily represent official agency policy. 

OUTCOMES

  • Improved recognition and management of depression and anxiety among older adults 
  • Enhanced social connectedness and reduced isolation at congregate meal sites 
  • Reduced food insecurity through strengthened program engagement and supportive services 
  • Increased engagement with aging and behavioral health services, including screening, referral, and follow-up 
  • Strengthened Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) capacity to identify and address behavioral health needs 
  • Development of Section 508–compliant deliverables, including toolkits, training modules, and tip sheets, designed to support sustainability and replication across diverse community settings