Thanks to the success of their first venture in 2017, Brenau University, Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Legacy Link Area on Aging have scheduled a second falls prevention expo.
The organizing groups released a press statement this past week, explaining why they believe it's important to continue the work they started in September 2017.
According to the CDC, falls are the highest cause of injuries and death from injury among older Americans. Not only that, but falls increase with age, as does their cost. The CDC reported the total medical costs for falls surpassed a staggering $50 billion in 2015. Fall injuries are within the top 20 most expensive medical injuries.
The core planning group last year recruited volunteer professionals in order to provide select health screenings, exercise and fall recovery demonstrations, and consultation to older adults in the Hall County area during the event. More than 150 people attended the first expo.
In addition, the organizers of the 2017 Falls Expo said they were inspired by the response to form the Gainesville Fall Prevention Coalition in 2018. This network of professionals and passionate community members got to work, meeting monthly to take action on falls. The Gainesville Fall Prevention Coalition is a partnership between area community and healthcare organizations with a mission to connect the community with services, awareness preventing falls and injuries from falls.
The coalition, along with the core planning group is working to plan the second annual Fall Prevention Expo on Friday, Sept. 21.
This year’s Falls Prevention Expo is being held jointly with the Getting Older & Better Workshop, sponsored by The Medical Center Auxiliary and brought to you by Brenau University Ivester College of Health Sciences, Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging and Trauma & Acute Care Surgery of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Seniors and caregivers are invited to attend the event on Sept. 21 at the Brenau Downtown Center, located at 301 Main St SW in Gainesville. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:45 for registration).
The expo will include education about preventing a fall and how to reduce the risk of injury from a fall. Included also will be free screenings, demonstrations, home safety tips, community resources, giveaways and more! Registration is required and space is limited! This event is free and includes lunch and a complimentary gift. Go to www.nghs.com/GOB to register online or call 800-347-1416.
