News and events
Falls Prevention Task Force News Conference Launches Community Falls Prevention Mobilization
March 12, 2008
Aim is to reduce falls among older adults in Dane County by 10% in three years Falls Prevention Task Force of Safe Communities, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and United Way 2-1-1 kicked off a Community Falls Prevention Mobilization at Madison Senior Center on March 12, 2008. The Task Force - a group of 47 people representing diverse Dane County organizations (click here for partners) unveiled a comprehensive strategy to reduce fall-related hospitalizations by 10% in three years. The strategy includes a public education campaign that encourages older adults to take steps to prevent falls and preserve their independence.
Falls are a very important problem for senior citizens, their families and our community. Individual consequences from falls include pain, debility, loss of independence, serious medical injuries, and sometimes death. With preventive medical care, informed use of community resources, of which there are many, injury and loss of independence can be avoided, according to Dr. Andy Kosseff, Task Force chair and Physician Director of Quality Improvement for St. Mary's Hospital.
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz expressed his support for the effort and noted that we all have family members who've lost their independence as a result of a fall - these personal experiences bring the problem of falls close to home.
A central component of this community mobilization is a one-stop falls prevention referral and information source available through United Way 2-1-1. Older adults, family members and other unpaid caregivers, and clinicians are invited to call United Way 2-1-1 24 hours a day, seven days a week for help on reducing falls and remaining independent, said Dan Rashke, Chair, United Way Self-Reliance and Independence Community Solutions Team.
Bob Morrison, a McFarland resident, spoke about his falls at the campaign kickoff. By following his doctor's advice, seeing a physical therapist for the last 10 months and engaging in regular exercise he has noticed a real improvement in his strength and balance.
(right) Instructor Jodi Curley and course participants of MSCR's Balancing Act class conducted a demonstration of exercises that improve balance at the March 12 news conference.
Many thanks to Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation for its second year of support for this lifesaving initiative!
