Checklist will help Holmes Countians
Falls in the 65 and over population have reached epidemic proportions in the United States with Holmes County feeling the effects of this mostly preventable epidemic. In 2019 alone there were 314 emergency department visits due to a fall in Holmes County. Fortunately, 2022 data shows the ED visits have decreased to 270, but falls still remain an issue in Holmes County.
The Falls Prevention Program of the Holmes County General Health District and the Standing Against Falls Coalition have created a Falls Self-Inspection Checklist for Holmes County businesses, agencies and faith-based establishments to help guide falls prevention efforts in the 60 and over population that frequent the business or agency.
The Falls Self-Inspection Checklist is intended only as a reminder. It is offered solely as a guide to aid in falls prevention efforts, but the agency is encouraged to make environmental changes if the checklist shows areas of potential falls risk.
Businesses, agencies and faith-based establishments can call Kerry MacQueen, health educator and injury prevention coordinator at the Holmes County General Health District, for a letter of commitment and the Falls Self-Inspection Checklist at 330-674-5035 ext. 251. After the checklist has been completed, the business or agency is asked to send a copy of the letter of commitment and the checklist to MacQueen, and she will send a Falls-Free Holmes County decal that will be placed at the entrance of the establishment to help promote and recognize falls prevention efforts in the 60 and over population.