(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Departments of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), and Public Health (DPH) today announced a grant award to develop and advance a Falls Prevention Coalition in the state. Totaling approximately $124,000, these funds will be used by the ADS Bureau of Aging to build the capacity of the Falls Free CT coalition and the Bureau’s falls prevention programming. This will be accomplished through strategic planning, the development of Older Adult Advisory Councils to give older adults a greater voice in the work of the coalition, a formal membership process for Falls Free CT, and by sending leaders to National Council on Aging’s Age + Action conference in May.
Funding will also be used to implement a statewide falls prevention awareness and education outreach campaign to help raise awareness about falls prevention and educate older adults and people who care for them in Connecticut. Additionally, the Administration for Community Living grant will provide leader training so community organizations can implement their own falls prevention programs.
“We know that education and outreach are important to ensure people stay healthy and safe in their communities,” said Commissioner Amy Porter. “Being able to increase leadership training and collaboration in Connecticut’s aging network will maximize the impact of falls prevention education, resources, and interventions with older adults.”
"The new Falls Prevention Coalition will not only raise awareness and outreach to seniors but also give them a voice during a crucial time when their population continues to grow in Connecticut," said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. "Educating and preventing falls protects the quality of life, independence and safety of our elderly and protects the hearts of families."
Falls in older adults often result in serious, life-altering complications, requiring intensive care and prolonged recovery times. Surviving a fall can also create a fear of falling which can limit a person’s willingness to engage in physical activity and has been studied as a predictor of future falls and declines in cognitive functioning and short-term survival.
Since no single organization can address all aspects of falls prevention, coalitions enable organizations and providers in a given area to unite their expertise and resources to reduce falls, identify state or community needs, recommend policy changes, and build capacity. The intent is a joint effort among multiple stakeholders to implement an effective, coordinated approach to preventing older adult falls. The Department of Public Health’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention has been a key supporter and co-leader in the work of Falls Free CT.
* This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $123,925 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Falls Prevention Program Grant Award Announcement
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