A new community initiative, the Standing Strong Against Falls Coalition (SSAF), has been launched in Fond du Lac County to tackle the growing issue of fall-related injuries among residents. The Coalition aims to reduce the incidence of falls through education, community programs, and advocacy, with a special focus on older adults who are at a higher risk.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization in Fond du Lac County, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of the community. The SSAF brings together healthcare professionals, local organizations, government agencies, and volunteers to create a unified effort in fall prevention.
“As an ER nurse in this community over the last 10 plus years, I have seen firsthand how devastating falls can be. Also, with the knowledge that falls are by far the largest population of patients that hospitals and our EMS providers care for, I knew we can and should be doing more to help prevent what often are debilitating falls. There isn’t a person out there that doesn’t have a parent, grandparent, friend, neighbor, or even themself to worry about may suffer a fall. I wanted Fond du Lac County to stand up and join the fight against falling, so restarting a Falls Coalition just made sense.” Kelly Faymoville, SSAF Coordinator.
Key initiatives of the SSAF include:
1. Home Safety Assessments: Offering in-home evaluations to identify and mitigate potential fall hazards.
2. Increase Strength and Balance: Developing and promoting activities that improve strength, balance, and coordination.
3. Physician Communication: See the checklist on our website on what you should be discussing with your doctor.
4. Safety in Public Places: Offering tools to keep you safe and prevent falls when you are out and about.
5. Resources: Our partners offer a wealth of knowledge to help you stay strong.
For more information about the Standing Strong Against Falls Coalition and upcoming events, please visit our website at https://www.standingstrongagainstfalls.com or email us at [email protected].
**About the Standing Strong Against Falls Coalition:** The Standing Strong Against Falls Coalition is a community-driven initiative dedicated to reducing fall-related injuries in Fond du Lac County. Through education, partnerships, and advocacy, the SSAF aims to empower residents with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent falls and maintain their independence.
