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.

Falls Prevention Awareness Events

  • A Matter of Balance Class (in-person): This 8-week fall prevention program that addresses concerns about falls will start on Tuesday, July 23rd. 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.

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.
  • 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.