Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries, and hospital admissions for trauma. Falls can take a serious toll on older adults’ quality of life and independence. To recognize this critical issue, at the state level, SJ 47 was passed in 2018 declaring the third week of Fall each year as Fall Prevention Awareness Week.

At the heart of this initiative is the message that falls are preventable. During Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Virginia's fall prevention coalitions, health care providers, and senior service agencies will hold presentations, health fairs, screenings, and workshops to raise awareness among older adults and their families and caregivers, elder care professionals, and the general public about the seriousness of falls and ways to reduce fall risk.