SENIORS' FALL PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. In Colorado, more than 300 people die from falls every year, and there are nearly 8,000 hospitalizations from falls for people over age 65.
To address this health challenge, the Tri-County Health Department, which serves Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, has developed a statewide campaign to promote fall prevention. According to the Fall Prevention Network, injuries from falls can often be prevented through physical activity to improve balance, avoiding medications that cause dizziness, receiving regular eye exams, and removing hazards at home that could lead to slips and falls.
On June 22 at the State Capitol, Tri-County Health – supported through The Colorado Trust’s Partnerships for Health grant – launched the educational campaign to help prevent deaths and injuries from falls. “Costs for older adults hospitalized for fall-related injuries in Colorado total more than $263 million each year,” said Gary Sky, Public Information Officer and Head of Creative Services at Tri-County Health. “But it’s important to realize that falls are preventable. That’s why this campaign is so important, to raise awareness about ways to keep falls from happening.”
For more information about The Trust’s support of coordinated health services at the community level, contact Ginger Harrell, Program Officer, 303-837-1200.
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