HHS names recipients of up to $27.8 million to spread falls prevention programs for older adults
The Administration for Community Living announced 10 awards on Oct. 9: two to the National Council on Aging, of $4.8 million and $7.5 million, and eight of $1.8 million to $1.9 million each to take two proven programs statewide.
Washington. The Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Community Living, on Oct. 9 named the recipients of three falls prevention initiatives worth up to $27.8 million over three years. The money is meant to spread proven programs, link health care providers with community organizations and help states and local partners reach older adults before a fall leads to injury or loss of independence.
The awards build on two approaches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI initiative, short for Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries, helps health care providers screen for, assess and address fall risk. Stepping On, a community program, helps older adults improve strength and balance and address risks from medications, vision, footwear and home safety.
Who receives the money
The largest award, $7.5 million, goes to the National Council on Aging, of Arlington, Va., to run the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, which will give the agency's aging and disability networks training, tools and individualized help to deliver and sustain falls prevention programs. The council also receives $4,781,733 to scale STEADI and Stepping On through partnerships between clinics and community organizations in five geographies.
Eight recipients in eight states receive between $1,831,163 and $1,940,162 each, subject to the availability of funds, to take both programs statewide: AgeOptions in Oak Park, Ill.; the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging in Augusta; CHPcommunity, which does business as Iowa Community HUB, in West Des Moines; Health Research Inc. in Menands, N.Y.; the Maryland Department of Health; Partners In Care Foundation in San Fernando, Calif.; Texas A&M University; and The Oasis Institute in St. Ann, Mo. Six of the eight are tax-exempt charities in IRS records.
They are to strengthen referral networks, prepare more local organizations to deliver the programs and share lessons with other states, the department said.
Why falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury for people 65 and older, according to the department. One in four older adults falls every year, and falls that do not kill account for an estimated $80 billion a year in health care spending.
“Knowing someone is at risk is only the first step. What makes the difference is a clear path from screening to support that people can trust and use.”
The department said the awards are part of a cross-agency effort, informed by the National Falls Prevention Action Plan, that also involves the CDC, the National Institute on Aging and three other federal agencies. Since 2014, the agency has awarded more than $53 million in falls prevention grants through the Prevention and Public Health Fund, its program page says.
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