The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living and Supports Health Services, Oakland University and the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition have partnered with Michigan 211 to offer fall prevention resources on mi211.org. The information is designed to connect health care providers, community organizations and residents with vital fall prevention resources.

About 30% of Michiganders ages 65 and older report falling each year and most of these falls occur at home.

“This initiative aims to improve statewide access to evidence-based fall prevention programs, durable medical equipment and nutrition services that support older adults and individuals at risk of a fall,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Falls can lead to serious injuries, including head trauma and broken bones. By collaborating and sharing resources, we can work together to make Michigan a safer place for everyone.”

Individuals and health care professionals can access resources and services through the site or by calling 211. Searches for education and safety planning resources, physical health and wellness services, daily living supports and home accessibility modifications can be conducted by ZIP code. In addition, 211 specialists have been trained to assist callers in locating fall prevention services.

The website was made possible through a $408,499 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Healthy Aging Grant. Funding also supported development of the Michigan Falls Coalition website and an awareness campaign about the Michigan 211 resource. The coalition is supported through partnerships with MDHHS and Oakland University and brings together organizations and providers to collaborate to reduce fall risks among older adults and adults with disabilities, identify state or community needs, recommend policy changes and build capacity.

“Oakland University is proud to lead innovative research and community partnerships that improve the health and safety of Michiganders,” said Dr. Chris Wilson, lead author on the grant application and associate professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Oakland University’s School of Health Sciences. “Through our leadership within the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition and initiatives like the 211 resource platform, we are committed to connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities to the services and supports they need to stay safe, active, and independent in their homes and communities.”

“The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), which provides falls prevention programs in the community, is excited to have this resource available so people can locate programs,” said Ann Andrews, MPH, senior program manager, National Kidney Foundation. “The MI Falls Prevention Coalition started in 2021 as a small advisory group for a federal grant the NKFM received. There was great interest in the group from among stakeholders across the state and it’s exciting to see what the coalition has grown into from these initial efforts.”

Health care providers and community organizations can help expand this resource by adding fall prevention programs to the website. Eligible programs include:

• Fall prevention education and exercise programs
• Senior-focused exercise programs
• Urinary incontinence prevention initiatives
• Nutrition services supporting fall risk reduction
• Durable medical equipment providers offering fall prevention-related items
• Home and environmental modification programs
• Other related fall prevention-focused programming

Organizations and providers interested in listing their programs or updating existing details can visit mi211.org/providers. Once a 211 representative speaks with the organization liaison directly, updates and new listings will typically be posted within 10 business days.

For more information, visit the 211 falls prevention page mi211.org or the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition’s website at mifallsprevention.org.

Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services