Prevent falls and help save lives this September

Each year, thousands of educators, caregivers, health and aging professionals, and older adults across the country focus their efforts on one goal: preventing falls. That’s why the Georgia Department of Human Services is partnering with state and national organizations to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 20-24.   

Falls are a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-fourth of older Americans fall each year. Falls have also resulted in over 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including 850,000 hospitalizations and 29,000 deaths. There are proven ways to prevent falls and protect your loved ones.

Every Friday through the end of the month and on Oct. 1, Georgia’s Falls Prevention Coalition is hosting Falls Free Friday webinars. Plus, partners throughout the state will host local events to boost falls prevention awareness in their local communities.  

The Falls Free Webinars taking place include:  

• Sept. 24: Music therapy – connecting in unique ways. Register here.  
• Oct. 1: The physical and cognitive consequences of fear of falling. Register here.

Georgia’s Falls Prevention Coalition includes the Georgia Department of Public Health, Emory University’s Injury Prevention Research Center of Excellence and members of the Georgia Falls Prevention Coalition and Task Force, with guidance from the National Council on Aging. Check your risk for falling here.  

Visit https://georgiahealthmatters.org/workshops/fall-prevention/ to find out about options available in local communities and to learn more about Georgia’s falls prevention initiatives. Explore additional ways to assess a loved one’s risk and prevent falls by visiting the National Council on Aging. Together, we can reduce falls and increase safety for all Georgians. 

For more information about falls prevention, email [email protected].