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Welcome to Step-Up Connections:
A Program to Enhance Social Connectedness and Mental Health in Late-Life

This project aims to reduce social disconnectedness and emotional distress in Adult Protective Services (APS) clients across Texas using a stepped-care social and mental health engagement approach. We utilize intergenerational social phone calls and brief mental health screening to address social isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety in older adults transitioning out of APS investigations.   

Our Goal

The program goal is to reduce social disconnectedness (i.e. social isolation and loneliness) and emotional distress among APS clients across Texas using health professional student delivered stepped-care social and mental health engagement activities.

How Step-Up Connections is Making a Difference

Reducing social and emotional disconnection through:

Social phone calls

Social connections

Intergenerational connections

Our Team

Address

7000 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030

Phone

Dr. Burnett: 713-500-3845

Jordan Broussard: 713-486-2076

Email

Dr. Burnett: jason.burnett@uth.tmc.edu

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Sophia Wasik: sophia.wasik@uth.tmc.edu

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