Falls Prevention Awareness Month

Show Me Falls Free
Missouri Coalition
Falls Prevention
Information
Exercise & Health
Programs

Falling is not a normal part of aging. DHSS is committed to empowering all aging Missourians to reduce their risk of falls, which are one of the greatest causes of serious injuries and death among people over age 65. In September 2024, DHSS is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to mark Falls Prevention Awareness Month.

As part of this national outreach campaign, DHSS will be sharing information about events in Missouri to raise awareness among older adults.

If you are planning a Falls Prevention Awareness Event, please click here to provide details, so we can share it below.

Find a Falls Prevention Awareness Event Near You

(Events Alphabetical by location, with virtual programs first)

  • Virtual:
    • Enhance Fitness (Virtual): This ongoing class meets via Zoom on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 am. Each class will include warm-up, aerobics, and cool-down activities as well as strength, balance, and flexibility training. Register here or call 1-800-748-7826 to sign up.
    • Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention Workgroup (Virtual): This workgroup meets virtually every other month. On September 17 at 10 am, the workgroup will be discussing Fall Prevention Awareness Month, fall hazards in the home, and more. To join the workgroup click here or email mocanhawg-l@po.missouri.edu.
    • Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention Awareness Month Virtual Education Series (Virtual): This webinar series will provide information and a teaser for evidence-based programming that MU Extension provides in Missouri. Register here.
    • Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Level 1 (Virtual): This 16-week class is a safe, structured, and effective exercise program capable of building muscle and increasing bone density, thus decreasing frailty, osteoporosis, and the risk of falls. It will meet virtually each Monday and Wednesday from September 23 to November 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The cost of the class is $50. Click here or call 573-445-9792 to learn more and to register.
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (Virtual): This ongoing class meets via Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 am. This class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. Register here or call 1-800-748-7826 to sign up.
  • Butler, MO:
    • Falls Prevention Presentation from Local EMS (in-person): Local EMS personnel will present information about fall prevention on September 18 at 11 am. This event will be at 611 W Mill St. in Butler, MO. For more information, contact Mike Bowlin at 660-679-5830.
  • Cameron, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on Tuesday, August 6. It will meet at 202 E. Ford St. in Cameron, MO for 8 weeks each Tuesday, from 10 am to 12 pm. The class is free for Missourians over the age of 60. Call 660-240-9400 for more information about this and other classes in northwest Missouri.
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (in-person): This 8-week class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. It will meet at 202 E. Ford St. in Cameron, MO, for 8 weeks each Monday and Wednesday from 10-11 am. The class is free for Missourians over the age of 60. Call 660-240-9400 for more information about this and other classes in northwest Missouri.
  • Clinton, MO:
    • Fall, from an EMS View (in-person): This event will take place on September 19 at 10:45 am at 970 E. Sedalia Ave. in Clinton, MO. Local EMS will be providing statistics on calls and cases relating to falls. They will provide information about what to do if you fall, how to safely get up from a minor fall at home, and devices that will help in the home if you fall. For more information, call Kathy Wilson at 660-885-3482.
  • Dearborn, MO:
    • Senior Fall Prevention Week – Home Safety (in-person): The presentation will talk about home safety and fall prevention. A light lunch will be provided. This event will take place on September 26, at 12 pm. It will be located at 205 Commercial in Dearborn, MO. To register, call 816-741-6824.
  • Gladstone, MO:
    • Clay County Senior Resource Fair (in-person): This annual resource fair will have vendors there to share about their services and the Senior Falls Prevention Coalition of Clay and Platte Counties will have a booth there with information regarding falls prevention. The event will take place on October 10 at 9 am. It will be located at 6901 N. Holmes St. in Gladstone, MO 64118. For more information call or email Vicki Hon at 816-455-4800 or vicki@claycoseniors.org.
  • Hannibal, MO:
    • The Gift of Aging Conference (in-person): This free conference will take place on October 1, 2024, from 10 am to 3 pm. It will be held at 601 Broadway, Hannibal, MO 63401. Click here or call 573-633-2640 to learn more and to register.
  • Holden, MO:
    • Walk with Ease Class (in-person): This walking-based fitness class will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 am from September 27th to November 6th. It will take place at 605 E. 10th St in Holden, MO. For more information, email information@goaging.org or call 800-748-7826.
  • Kansas City, MO:
    • Falls Prevention Presentation (in-person): This falls prevention presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 11, at 9 am. This event will be located at 4420 N. Chouteau Tfwy, Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64117. For more information, call Vicki Hon at 816-455-4800.
    • Senior Fall Prevention Week Celebration (in-person): This will be a celebration of fall prevention awareness week. A light lunch will be provided. This event will take place on September 27, at 12 pm. It will be located at 12200 N. Ambassador Dr. Ste. 104 in Kansas City, MO. For more information, call 816-270-4100.
  • Kearney, MO:
    • Falls Prevention Presentation (in-person): The Senior Falls Prevention Coalition of Clay and Platte Counties will share fall prevention information on Wednesday, September 25, at 10:45 am. This event will take place at the Kearney Senior Center (600 N. Jefferson in Kearney, MO).
  • Kingston, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This four-week fall prevention program, which addresses concerns about falls, will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 1 to October 31 at the Caldwell County Health Department at 255 W Main Street in Kingston, MO, from 10 am to 12 pm. The class is free for Missourians over the age of 60. Call 816-586-1010 or 816-306-8071 for more information about this and other classes in northwest Missouri.
  • Lexington, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This fall prevention program, which addresses concerns about falls, will start meeting on September 17th at 10 am. The class will take place at 811C S. Business Hwy 13 in Lexington, MO. Call 800-748-7826 for more information.
    • Health Fair at Margaret Gray Senior Center (in-person): This one day event will be on September 26th from 10 am to 12:30 pm at 811C South Business Hwy in Lexington, MO. No need to register. Call Candace Weddle at 660-259-2025 for more information.
  • Liberty, MO:
    • ThinkFIRST to Prevent Falls (in-person): Falls are the leading cause of injury for people over age 65. This FREE program was designed to help individuals recognize their concerns about falling and the hazards in their homes and communities that contribute to falls. The program is approximately a 2-hour presentation that will discuss fall prevention topics such as home safety, safety in the community, talking with your physician, nutrition, the significance of exercise, vision health, and medication interactions. This event will take place on September 25 at 12 pm. It will be located at 1600 S. Withers Rd in Liberty, MO. Call Kelli Watkins at 816-404-1381 for more information.
  • Maryville, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on October 4 at 9:30 am. It will meet at 1210 E. 1st St. in Maryville, MO. For more information or to register, call 660-582-8101.
  • North Kansas City, MO:
    • Steady Your Stride Event (in-person): North Kansas City Hospital is hosting this free event at 2790 Clay Edwards Dr. 1st Floor in North Kansas City, MO on September 21 from 8 am to 11 am. Join physical and occupational therapists and nurses to evaluate your fall risk and receive tips on how to avoid taking a tumble. Register online to guarantee your assessment time. Walk-ins welcome. Register at nkch.org/Steady or call 816.691.1690.
  • Oregon, MO:
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis Prevention (in-person): This 8-week class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. It will meet at 100 E. Missouri St. in Oregon, MO, for 8 weeks starting October 4, 2024, at 11 am. For more information or to register, call 660-582-8101.
  • Parkville, MO:
    • Falls Prevention Workshop (in-person): This workshop will give you tools and resources to prevent and empower you to reduce your risk of falling. Whataburger will provide a snack, and the Senior Falls Prevention Coalition of Clay and Platte Counties will host Falls Prevention Bingo. This event will take place on September 16, at 9:30 am. It will be located at 887 Clark Ave. in Parkville, MO. No registration is required; for more information, email kellyhrisak@kansascityymca.org.
    • Senior Fall Prevention Week – Medication Presentation (in-person): This presentation will talk about medications and falls. A light lunch will be provided. This event will take place on September 23, at 12 pm. It will be located at 819 Main St. in Parkville, MO. To register, call 816-741-6824.
  • Platte City, MO:
    • Platte County Senior Health and Caregivers Expo (in-person): This event will be at the YMCA in Platte City (3101 Running Horse Road in Platte City, MO) from 8:30 am to Noon.
    • Senior Fall Prevention Week Presentation – Exercise (in-person): This presentation will talk about exercise and falls. A light lunch will be provided. This event will take place on September 25 at 12 pm. It will be located at 200 N. 4th St. in Platte City, MO. For more information, call 254-206-1737.
  • Plattsburg, MO:
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention (in-person): This 8-week class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. It will meet at 251 MO-116 in Plattsburg, MO, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 11 am. This class will take place from September 16 to November 13. To register, call 816-933-2138.
  • Princeton, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This four-week fall prevention program, which addresses concerns about falls, will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from August 13th to September 5 at the Mercer County Senior Center at 110 N. Broadway St. in Princeton, MO, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. This class is free for Missourians over the age of 60. Click here or call 660-646-0811 for more information about this and other classes in northwest Missouri.
  • Riverside, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on October 14th and run through December 2nd. It will meet every Monday from 2-4 pm at 4498 NW High Dr. in Riverside, MO. For more information or to register, call 816-741-4172.
  • Rock Port, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on October 4 at 1:30 pm. It will meet at 211 W. Opp St. in Rock Port, MO. For more information or to register, call 660-582-8101.
  • St. Ann, MO:
    • Falls Prevention Fair (in-person): This Falls Prevention Fair will take place at 500 Northwest Plaza in St. Ann, MO, on Tuesday, September 24 from 11 am to 2 pm. It will feature an open house event for St. Louis Oasis Northwest Plaza, free lunch, health screenings, class demonstrations, and more. For more information click here or call 314-862-4859 ext. 24.
  • St. Joseph, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on Tuesday, July 23. It will meet at 100 S. 10th St. in St. Joseph, MO for 8 weeks each Tuesday, from 9:30-11:30 am. The class is free for Missourians over the age of 60. Call 660-240-9400 for more information about this and other classes in northwest Missouri.
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (in-person): This 8-week class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. It will meet at 100 S. 10th St. in St. Joseph, MO, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 11 am. This class will take place from October 1st to November 21. To register, call 816-271-4666.
  • Salisbury, MO:
    • Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Level 1 (in-person): This 8-week class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. It will meet at 12737 State Hwy E in Savannah, MO, on Fridays from 10 am to 11 am. For more information, call 816-324-4916.
  • Savannah, MO:
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (in-person): This 16-week class is a safe, structured, and effective exercise program capable of building muscle and increasing bone density, thus decreasing frailty, osteoporosis, and the risk of falls. It will meet at 304 S. Broadway, Salisbury, MO, starting on September 9 at 12 pm. For more information or to register, call 660-542-1792.
  • Smithville, MO:
    • Falls Prevention Presentation (in-person): The Senior Falls Prevention Coalition of Clay and Platte Counties will share fall prevention information on Monday, September 23, at 10:30 am. This event will take place at the Smithville Senior Center (113 W. Main Street in Smithville, MO).
      • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on October 7 and run through November 25. It will meet at 113 W. Main St. in Smithville, MO every Monday from 1 pm to 3 pm. Call 816-343-2073 to register.
  • Warrensburg, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on August 16 and meet through September 30. It will meet at 445 E Gay St. in Warrensburg, MO for 8 weeks each Friday from 10 am to 12 pm. Register here or call 1-800-748-7826 to sign up.
    • Falls Prevention Presentation (in-person): The Johnson County Ambulance District will provide a presentation about fall prevention at 445 E Gay St. in Warrensburg, MO, on Tuesday, September 17, at 11:30 am. This is a perfect opportunity for older adults and caregivers to learn how to prevent falls and take simple steps to reduce their risk. For more information, call 660-747-2624.
    • Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (in-person): This ongoing class meets at 445 E Gay St. in Warrensburg, MO on Tuesday and Thursday at 8 am and again at 9 am. This class uses gentle, fluid movement to build strength and flexibility, while improving balance, posture, immunity, and relaxation. Register here or call 1-800-748-7826 to sign up.
  • Weston, MO:
    • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on October 14th and run through December 2nd. It will meet at 1103 Washington St. in Weston, MO for 8 weeks each Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. For more information, email avyogaandwellness@gmail.com or call 254-206-1737.
    • Senior Fall Prevention Week Presentation – Vision (in-person): This presentation will talk about vision and falls. A light lunch will be provided. This event will take place on September 24, at 12 pm. It will be located at 1103 Washington St. in Weston, MO. To register, call 816-741-6824.
  • Wright City, MO:
    • Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (in-person): This one-time class is a safe, structured, and effective exercise program capable of building muscle and increasing bone density, thus decreasing frailty, osteoporosis, and the risk of falls. It will meet at 678 Westwoods Rd. in Wright City, MO, on October 2, 2024, at 10 am. This is a one-day event that will take place during the Warren Senior Center Expo. For more information or to register, call 636-456-3444.

Tools and Resources to Plan your Falls Prevention Awareness Event

You can use these tools and others to plan and implement falls prevention awareness events in September and throughout the year.

  • Balance and Strength Exercises Video: This 26-minute video is a collaboration between DHSS and Capital Region Medical Center. It includes demonstrations of balance and strength exercises for fall prevention.
  • CDC’s Still Going Strong Campaign: This campaign includes information about fall prevention and premade print, video, and social media posts.
  • Check for Safety A Home Fall Prevention Checklist: This pamphlet from the CDC can help you find and fix hazards in your home.
  • Falls Free Check Up: This online fall screener was created by the National Council on Aging. It is a great tool to determine fall risk and learn how to decrease that risk.
  • Falls Prevention Tips Video: This 7-minute video provides several tips for preventing falls in the community.
  • Missouri Aging Profiles: Each of these 1-page profiles provides data about older adults in each of Missouri’s counties, including fall-related injuries.
  • NCOA Falls Prevention Awareness Toolkit: The theme this year is from awareness to action. This toolkit includes social media posts and graphics, logos and banners, public relations tools, printable resources, bone health information, and advocacy.
  • Tips to Avoid Falls and Injuries: This 1-page information sheet from the National Institute on Aging is available as a printable PDF and print resource.