New Fall Prevention Training Grant

LOCAL COALITION RECEIVES NEW GRANT TO HELP SENIORS PREVENT FALLS

Pinellas County, Florida - In June of 2008, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco- Pinellas, Inc. (AAAPP), on behalf of the Pinellas County Fall Prevention Coalition, received a one year grant from the State of Florida for $27,801 to conduct training throughout the county that will assist seniors with balance and strength in order to prevent falls. Falls are the #1 reason for calls to 911 in Pinellas County, and are the leading cause of injury death and hospitalizations for residents 65 and over. Because 21% of the population in Pinellas County is over 65 years of age, falls place a high burden on local citizens, EMS services, and the health care system. Until this grant, there have been no funds dedicated to addressing this critical issue.

AAAPP will hire Lori Whittle, Certified Balance & Mobility Specialist with Balance Basics in Sarasota, who will train and certify community leaders to teach classes to seniors throughout the county beginning in January 2009. These classes will include how to do exercises that increase balance and strength, how to more safely fall and get up from a fall, and how people who use a cane or a walker can increase their balance and strength. Participants seeking certification are expected from local senior centers, Assisted Living Facilities, churches and other faith-based organizations, and various other municipalities and organizations who serve seniors in Pinellas County.

Visit the Coalition website at www.pinellasfallprevention.com for more information on preventing falls and, after August 1, the calendar of training dates, times, and locations. For more information call 570-9696 x 253.