Learn how to step up for safety this Falls Prevention Awareness Month!
September 4, 2025
As we all know, one fall can severely impact our quality of life. In 2024 the Fire Departments in Spokane County responded to more than 11,000 calls when someone fell and could not get up or were injured and had to be treated or transported to the hospital. Thankfully, most falls are preventable.
This year we have completed 19 āA Matter of Balanceā classes with 3 more that recently started and 8+ classes already scheduled in the coming months. There have been close to 180 participants who have successfully completed the class to date. These classes have helped so many to increase awareness, gain confidence, increase activities and exercise, and to live more confidently and independently, which all help to prevent falls and results in a healthy and happier life!
All of this is only possible because of our amazing and talented Volunteer Coaches and Guest Health Care Professionals who have contributed more than 750 hours in classes. It is such a privilege, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people and to see the positive impact we have on all the participants!
What can you do this Falls Prevention Awareness Week?
- Attend an A Matter of Balance class, upcoming courses are being hosted in North Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, and Moran Prairie this September and October: Event Calendar – Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington
- Join the Spokane Regional Health Districts Facebook Live on September 24th at 10 AM to hear from our very own Phil on falls prevention: Spokane Regional Health District | Spokane WA
- Take the simple, 13-question, digital assessment that provides older adults with a personalized āfalls riskā score and related guidance for reducing their risk of falling: NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp
- Accidents such as falling can cause bone fractures. Better understand your bone health and risk: Fracture Risk Calculator – American Bone Health
- Watch this short video and review the 6 steps to prevent a fall: NCOA Falls Prevention: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall – YouTube
If you know anyone who may be interested in signing up for an A Matter of Balance class or discussing falls prevention resources and options in our area, please visit Preventing Falls with A Matter of Balance. To contact our Falls Prevention Educator, email Philip.Helean@dshs.wa.gov or call (509) 777-1571.
MOB at Argonne Library class participants, July 31, 2025.
