Collins, Rosen Introduce Resolution on “National Falls Prevention Awareness Week”

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Committee, introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September 21 through September 25—the first week of the fall season—as “National Falls Prevention Awareness Week.”

“Falls-related injuries have a devastating impact on older Americans, their families, and their communities,” said Senator Collins. “This resolution brings awareness to the impact of this issue and also demonstrates some practical initiatives that can be taken to make falls among older Americans a far less common occurrence.”

This resolution urges relevant federal, state, and local organizations to educate seniors about ways they can reduce the risks that may result from a fall, including injury and even death. It also recognizes that evidence-based programs reduce falls by using cost-effective strategies, such as exercise programs, medication management, vision improvement, reduction of home hazards, and fall prevention education.

Older adults are the fastest growing age group in the United States, and the number is projected to increase from approximately 56.1 million in 2020 to 73.1 million in 2030. Each year, there are approximately 36 million falls among Americans age 65 and older and these falls cost roughly $50 billion each year in health care expenditures.  More than half of older adults who fall do not report their falls or discuss their concerns about falling with their health care providers. 

Last year, the Aging Committee released a comprehensive report that provides evidence-based recommendations on ways to reduce the risk of falling. 

In addition to Senators Collins and Rosen, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Bob Casey (D-PA), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).

CDC has a new, free online training titled STEADI: Empowering Healthcare Providers to Reduce Fall Risk.  The training course offers healthcare providers information and tools needed to screen, assess, and intervene to reduce fall risk among patients aged 65 and over.  For more information on CDC’s work in falls prevention, see CDC’s website. 

Click HERE to read the resolution.

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