ABSTRACT
The establishment of trade or professional organizations is a strategy for individuals and organizations to collectively advocate for and serve the needs of their constituent groups. There are few professional and trade associations devoted specifically to rural aging issues. The professional and trade organizations highlighted are national in scope. Individual states and regions may have additional organizations or associations that address rural aging needs within these areas. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry “promotes the mental health and well-being of older people through professional education, public advocacy, and support of career development for clinicians, educators, and researchers in geriatric psychiatry and mental health”. American Psychological Association represents psychology professionals and has the mission “to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives”.
