Falls are a major public health issue, especially for older adults. According to the CDC, more than one-third of adults aged 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and 20% to 30% of those who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects, often leading to serious health consequences that surpass those of chronic kidney disease, asthma, Alzheimer's, and other dementias, as highlighted by a 2017 Global Burden of Diseases study.
Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to help reduce the risk of falls. Decades of research support the effectiveness of falls prevention programs, and the profession plays a crucial role in lowering the incidence of falls, improving patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs.
But we can't do it alone. Now, more than ever, it's important to advocate for access to falls prevention services. October is National Physical Therapy Month, and it's the perfect time to raise awareness and support legislation that prioritizes falls prevention.
Why Advocacy Matters
There is growing recognition of the need for falls prevention at the legislative level. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) actively works to influence policies that improve access to these essential services. By supporting policies that address falls prevention, we can make a significant impact on public health and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to stay safe.
This is where you, as a patient, can make a difference. By lending your voice, you help us amplify our message and influence meaningful change. Together, we can help ensure that essential falls prevention services remain accessible and affordable for those who need them most.
Take Action: Let Your Voice Be Heard
There are three key pieces of legislation that you can support right now:
H.R. 7618 – The SAFE Act: This bipartisan bill focuses on expanding access to falls prevention services, which are essential for reducing falls in older adults.
S.4556 – The SAFE Steps for Veterans Act: This bill aims to improve falls prevention for veterans, a population that often faces increased risks.
S.5023 – The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act: This bill further emphasizes the importance of expanding falls prevention programs nationwide.
Your voice can make a significant difference in getting these bills passed. APTA has made it easy to take action by visiting their Patient Action Center. With just a few clicks, you can send a letter to your members of Congress urging them to co-sponsor these crucial pieces of legislation.
Here's how you can get involved:
Watch the Video: Learn more about why the SAFE Act is important by watching this brief video from U.S. Representative Carol Miller, who makes a compelling case for falls prevention legislation. Watch the video here.
Send a Letter: Visit APTA's Patient Action Center to easily send a letter to your representatives. It's quick and straightforward. Just follow this link: Patient Action Center.
Spread the Word: Help raise awareness by sharing this important message with friends, family, and others in your community.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
By taking action during National Physical Therapy Month, you can help ensure that critical falls prevention services remain accessible to those who need them most. Your voice matters—join us in advocating for falls prevention and helping reduce the impact of falls on our communities.
Let’s use this month as an opportunity to take control of our health and prevent falls!
Make an appointment today with a physical therapist. We have in-person and telehealth appointments available.
A physical therapist can help you Restore Your Body!
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