Virginia is the first state in the country to conduct a statewide detection and prevention program
for geriatric alcoholism. The project employed a train-the-trainer model in which a core group
of trainers received extensive (8-hour) training about alcoholism and aging and, in turn, trained
small groups of persons in their local communities in abbreviated (2-hour) sessions. Comparisons
of pre- and post-training knowledge test scores revealed statistically significant knowledge gains
among both sets of participants. Follow-up surveys to participants provided evidence of the
program's continued utility. Interviews with key service providers indicated a substantial impact
on a broad spectrum of service systems and a strengthening of interagency coordination.
Evidence supports the need for alcoholism education, the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer
model in addressing educational needs, and the impact of such a program on the broader service
community reaching older adults.
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