Falls are not a normal part of aging, but they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Every 13 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. That’s why the Jessamine County Health Department and Jessamine County Safe Communities Coalition is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free Coalition to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 22.

The coordinated Ten Years Standing Together to Prevent Falls anniversary celebrations bring together older adults and their loved ones, health and aging professionals and community leaders in support of falls prevention. Across the country, partners are hosting classes and seminars, performing thousands of falls risk screenings, and educating older adults about evidence-based falls programs.

“Falls prevention is a team effort that takes a balance of education, intervention, and community support,” said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of NCOA’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center. “This annual coordinated celebration is an opportunity to look at the world around us, be aware of falls hazards, and take action to stay safe from falls.”

To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and NCOA’s work to prevent falls, go to www.ncoa.org/FallsPrevention.