Backup Documents 09/22/2020 Item #16H 2 1 bH 2
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, September 22, 2020, the first day of Fall, has been designated as National Falls
Prevention Awareness Day, sponsored by the National Council on Aging; and
WHEREAS, Florida has the highest percent of citizens age 65 and older in the United States,
and falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among people age
65 and older in Florida; and
WHEREAS, one out of five falls causes a serious injury, and falls are the most common cause of
traumatic brain injuries among Florida's older population, accounting for 58 percent
of the fatal traumatic brain injuries among older adults; and
WHEREAS, falls can lead to depression, loss of mobility, and loss of functional independence;
and
WHEREAS, in 2019 the average hospitalization charge for an unintentional fall among Florida
residents ages 65 and older was $42,852, and the financial toll for older adult falls
is expected to increase as the population ages and is estimated to reach $101 Billion
nationally by 2030; and
WHEREAS, injuries from falls are a preventable community health problem; and
WHEREAS, evidence-based programs reduce falls by utilizing strategies such as exercise
programs, balance screenings, medication management, vision improvement, reduction
of home hazards, and fall prevention education; and
WHEREAS, the Lee County Trauma Services District serves a five-county region in Southwest
Florida and is partnering with the local non-profit organization "Step Smart Collier"
to provide awareness, education, and a multidisciplinary approach to preventing falls;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that September 22, 2020 be designated as
FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 22nd Day of September, 2020.
•0 'v ill ,i',, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(� , '\{�,} COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
1 .../.egeoar
1
! BURT L. SAUNDERS, CHAIRMAN