Supporting the designation of the week of September 22 through September 28, 2024, as "National Fall Prevention Awareness Week" to raise awareness about, and encourage the prevention of, falls among older adults.
Impact
The resolution recognizes the profound impact of falls on public health and the associated economic costs. It highlights that fall-related injuries cost the healthcare system around $80 billion each year, with a substantial portion being covered by Medicare and Medicaid. By designating a specific week for awareness, the resolution intends to mobilize resources and community engagement to address preventable falls effectively.
Summary
HCR129 is a concurrent resolution that supports the designation of the week of September 22 through September 28, 2024, as 'National Fall Prevention Awareness Week.' The resolution aims to raise awareness about the significant issue of falls among older adults, which constitute a leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths in this demographic. According to the CDC, older adults experience 14 million falls annually, resulting in approximately 3 million emergency room visits and around 39,000 preventable deaths each year.
Contention
While the resolution itself is not contentious, it operates within a broader context of public health strategies targeting the aging population. Points of discussion may arise regarding the effectiveness of proposed preventive programs and the allocation of federal and state resources towards such initiatives. Support for fall prevention programs generally emphasizes evidence-based practices, like exercise programs aiding balance and strength, and community engagement to mitigate fall risks.
Related
Supporting the designation of the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as "National Fall Prevention Awareness Week" to raise awareness about, and encourage the prevention of, falls among older adults.
Supporting the designation of the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as "National Fall Prevention Awareness Week" to raise awareness about, and encourage the prevention of, falls among older adults.