The 7th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 23, 2014, the first day of fall. The theme for this year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day is “Strong Today, Falls Free Tomorrow,” which aims to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), since this awareness day was first observed in 2008, the group has grown participation in the event from 11 states to 47 states and the District of Columbia. The NCOA hopes to expand participation even further in 2014.
The NCOA has tools and activities available on their website to promote a successful Falls Prevention Awareness Day in the community. The digital resources include a webinar intended to spread the message and launch a new approach to falls prevention programming; a media toolkit that provides tips on leveraging the media and using the NCOA’s handouts and press releases; and falls prevention awareness activities that has examples of how to offer evidence-based falls prevention programs and facilitate screening for fall risk factors.
The NCOA website also features a list that includes 2013 state activities, as well as resources for finding a host location, and finding partners. Overall, the theme for 2014 seeks to unite older adults, professionals, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.
For 2013, more than 70 national organizations, federal agencies, and professional associations comprised the Falls Free Initiative. The American Occupation Therapy Association (AOTA), Inc, suggests contacting the State Falls Prevention Coalition if a person has an organization that is participating in this year’s awareness day to ensure they are counted by the NCOA.
Access more information and resources about Fall Prevention Awareness Day on NOCA’s website.
Sources: National Council on Aging, AOTA
