Preventing Falls Saves Lives: State-wide Events Educate and Provide Resources During Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Falling is not a normal part of aging and most falls can be prevented. Join us in celebrating Falls Prevention Awareness Week September 23 through 27, with events happening across the state.

The North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness (NCCHW) and the North Carolina Falls Prevention Coalition are committed to empowering all older adults in North Carolina to reduce their risk of falls, which are one of the greatest causes of serious injuries and death among people over age 65.

All North Carolinians are encouraged to visit StandingStrongNC.orgto find practical tips on how to prevent falls and to connect to local falls prevention programs and resources in their region. Visitors to StandingStrongNC.orgcan find information, resources and take the Falls Free Check-Up, a free online falls risk assessment tool. This tool is a short survey that screens for the most common falls risk factors.

The NC Falls Prevention Coalition and the NCCHW are hosting three free virtual events for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, including a Kick-Off event with Standing Strong NC, a live Tai Chi Demo, and more. The virtual events will take place via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. on September 23, 25, and 27. Everyone across the state is welcome!Registration is available here.

"More than four older adults died in North Carolina every day from a fall in 2022. Many more were injured. Falling is not a normal part of aging, and most falls are preventable. We encourage folks to tune in to learn simple steps we can all take to prevent falls," said Ellen Bailey, senior project manager for falls prevention at the NCCHW.

Jerry Glenn of Wake Forest attended a balance workshop at the Northern Wake Senior Center recently.

"I know that over many months of taking this class, I have noticed a big improvement in my ability just to stand and being able to walk without hitting the door frame or turning around real quick and getting dizzy, so it's been a real testimonial for me to continue on with the balance class," Glenn said.

"We hear these great stories, like Jerry's, all the time and want more people to know about the steps they can take! The NC Falls Prevention Coalition has a strong history of helping older residents in North Carolina," Bailey said. "We're proud to be part of this national education and outreach initiative that is helping millions of older adults age well and stay falls-free."

Bailey encourages people to check out the event listingfor other Falls Prevention Awareness Week events happening across the state and attend virtual events.

Please view the Standing Strong NC media kitto assist news outlets in sharing our public service announcements for Falls Prevention Awareness Week in September and throughout the year.

About the NC Falls Prevention Coalition

The Coalition works together to reduce injuries and deaths from falls among adults in NC. Standing Strong North Carolina is a public awareness campaign to prevent falls and save lives. Learn more at StandingStrongNC.organd ncfallsprevention.org

About the NC Center for Health and Wellness

The NC Center for Health and Wellness (NCCHW) works to impact policy, build capacity, and ignite community initiatives by working through a web of cross-sector relationships organized around building healthier places throughout the state. Learn more at ncchw.unca.eduand healthyagingnc.com