The department of mental health shall plan, develop and implement a program that addresses the mental health needs of the elderly population. Such plan and program shall address the issues of elderly isolation, depression or other mental health problems. The department of mental health shall devise materials to instruct physicians, senior-serving agencies and others in the manifestations of senior mental illness. Such plan shall be incorporated into the goals and budgets of the department of mental health in suitable proportion, urgency and priority with other programs that serve other populations.