Backup Documents 09/12/2023 Item # 4A 4A
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, over 23 percent of Florida residents are 65 years of age or older, and
falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among Florida's
senior population, resulting in significant physical, personal, social, and
economic burdens; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that annually there are more than 150,000 hospital-
treated injuries from falls among Floridians 65 and older, with medical
charges exceeding $2 billion; and
WHEREAS, injuries from falls are a preventable community health problem; falling
and the fear of falling can lead to depression, loss of mobility, and loss
of functional independence; and
WHEREAS, falls prevention education is a critical first step to increasing public
awareness regarding elder falls prevention and home safety; and
WHEREAS, cost-effective home modification and community strategies are available
to improve safety and lessen the likelihood of falls and the debilitating
injuries that can result; and
WHEREAS, the Lee County Trauma Services District serves a five-county region in
Southwest Florida (Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Lee) and
partners with the local non-profit organization "Step Smart" 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, 2023, be designated as
FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY IN COLLIER COUNTY
BONE AND ORDERED THIS 12th Day of September 2023.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
RICK LOCA'sT O, CHAIRMAN