In 2008, DOH’s Falls Prevention Program was legislatively mandated. Washington has multiple evidence-based falls prevention programs and highly active State Falls Prevention Coalitions, and is a member of the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free Initiative.
Current goals and objectives for the Washington Falls Prevention Coalition
- Goals:
- Education and awareness: Increase public awareness about the risks of falls and how they can be prevented.
- Community programs: Implement and support community-based programs that help older adults improve their balance, strength, and overall health.
- Policy advocacy: Advocate for policies that support fall prevention initiatives and improve safety standards in homes and public spaces.
- Collaboration: Foster collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive approach to fall prevention.
- Research and data collection: Promote research on fall prevention and collect data to better understand the causes and effective interventions for falls among older adults.
- Objectives:
- These efforts are designed to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life by reducing the risk of falls.
Leadership for the Washington Falls Prevention Coalition
- Injury Violence Prevention and Falls Prevention Technical Advisory committee, Department of Health
- Contact: stephanie.kunold@doh.wa.gov and marla.emde@doh.wa.gov
- Benton Franklin Counties Fall Prevention Coalition
- Contact: Kellyl@bfhd.wa.gov
- Island Count Falls Prevention Coalition
- Contact: l.dickman@islandcountywa.gov
- King County Falls Prevention Coalition
- Contact: paiged@soundgenerations.org
- Lewis, Mason, Thurston County
- Contact: Valerie.aubertin@dshs.wa.gov
- North Central Region Fall Prevention Coalition
- Contact: Janna.Finley@confluence.org
- North Region EMS
- Contact: nadja@northregionems.com
- Pierce County Fall Prevention Coalition
- Spokane Health Aging Coalition
- Contact: ntauzin@srhd.org
- West Region EMS Coalition
- Contact: director@wrems.com
Key Partners for the Washington Falls Prevention Coalition
- AAA
- Seattle Sound Generations
- Washington State Association of Senior Centers
What has the Washington Falls Prevention Coalition achieved?
- Increased their evidence-based instructor trainings for SAIL, Otago and Tai Ji Quan across the state to outlying areas that have higher incidence rates of falls.
- Provided over 1,000 wall bars to be installed in lower income, disabled and/or veteran owned homes that were at risk for falls.
What are some current challenges for theWashington State Falls Prevention Coalition?
- Funding for instructors and instructor training for evidence-based exercise programs
- Finding instructors for evidence -based programs
What evidence-based falls prevention programs are currently offered by the Washington State Falls Prevention Coalition?
- Enhance Fitness
- A Matter of Balance
- Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
- Otago
- Stay Active and Independent For Life (SAIL)
What outcomes are monitored by the Washington Falls Prevention Coalition?
-
Evidence based exercise class attendance across the programs throughout the state
Learn more on the Washington Department of Health's Falls Prevention Resources webpage.
