Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in collaboration with Oakland University and the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition, has partnered with Michigan 211 to launch a new feature on mi211.org. This initiative aims to provide fall prevention resources to health care providers, community organizations, and residents across the state.

According to statistics, about 30% of Michiganders aged 65 and older experience falls annually, with most incidents occurring at home. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, stated that "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."

Resources can be accessed through the website or by calling 211. Users can search for education resources, safety planning tools, physical health services, daily living supports, and home accessibility modifications by ZIP code. Additionally, trained specialists are available to assist callers in locating relevant services.

The project was funded by a $408,499 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Healthy Aging Grant. The funding also supported the development of the Michigan Falls Coalition website and an awareness campaign for the resource.

Dr. Chris Wilson from Oakland University expressed pride in leading research efforts that enhance community health and safety: "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."

Ann Andrews from the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan noted their excitement about having this resource available: "The MI Falls Prevention Coalition started in 2021 as a small advisory group for a federal grant... it’s exciting to see what the coalition has grown into from these initial efforts."

Health care providers and community organizations are encouraged to contribute by adding their fall prevention programs to the site. Eligible programs include educational exercises focused on fall prevention, senior-focused exercise initiatives, urinary incontinence prevention projects, nutrition services related to fall risk reduction, durable medical equipment offerings related to fall prevention items, home modification programs for environmental adjustments aimed at reducing falls risk.

Organizations interested in listing or updating program details can visit mi211.org/providers for more information. Updates are typically posted within ten business days after consultation with a 211 representative.

Further information is available on mi211.org or mifallsprevention.org.