Partners Promote Healthier and Safer Lives by Taking Steps to Prevent Injuries Before They Happen

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Falls Free© Coalition, led by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), has been named as a national partner of National Public Health Week, April 4-10, 2011.  The week is sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the theme for this year's event is "Safety is no Accident: Live Injury-Free."

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Injury is the most expensive medical problem in the United States. In a single year, $80 billion will be spent on medical care; another $326 billion on lost productivity; and an untold amount on social support for the individuals and families caring for the severely injured. In 2000, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system over $19 billion dollars, or $23.6 billion in 2005 dollars.

"We applaud APHA in their effort to bring attention to the burden of injury across people's lifespan," said Lynn Beattie, vice president of Injury Prevention with the National Council on Aging, and lead for the National Falls Free© Initiative. "We are especially concerned for older adults, particularly those who are frail and vulnerable, and those who are at risk for serious falls and death."

The Falls Free© Coalition is a group of over 70 national organizations engaged in disseminating proven falls prevention programs, advocating for funding, and educating older adults about how they can reduce their risk of falling. The national Falls Free© Coalition also includes 36 states that work collaboratively to promote effective state strategies to address falls.

The Coalition also sponsors and promotes National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, which is held every year on the first day of fall, this year on September 23, 2011. States are encouraged to host and promote falls prevention awareness and screening activities to draw attention to the problem and offer seniors practical solutions. Thirty-seven states participated in the 2010 event.

"There are evidence-based solutions that NCOA, Falls Free© and the 36 states are using to bring great awareness to the issue and education and training to providers," said NCOA's Beattie. "As we advocate national injury prevention, let's not forget our vulnerable seniors."

About The Falls Free© Coalition

Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free© Coalition, includes 36 states and over 70 national organizations, professional associations and federal agencies who are working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free© seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury.

About NCOA  

The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans - especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged - and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.NCOA.org.

SOURCE National Council on Aging