The Falls Free CT Coalition was established in September 2024 as a platform for bringing together falls prevention champions to take collective action to decrease the incidence of falls among older adults in Connecticut. Falls Free CT is led by representatives from the Department of Aging and Disability Services’ Bureau of Aging and the Department of Public Health’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention. A Steering Committee helps guide the overall direction and goals of the coalition and five Working Groups meet regularly to advance strategic initiatives and action items. Coalition partners represent a variety of fields and professions including physical and occupational therapists, local health departments, emergency medical responders, senior centers, hospitals and trauma programs, clinicians, social workers, and more.
The strength of this statewide falls prevention coalition depends on the active engagement and involvement of its members. By participating in Falls Free CT, members can expect to have the opportunity to inform statewide goals and initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of falls among older adults; receive education and training on important falls prevention topics; network and connect with other key falls prevention interest-holders; and be eligible for falls prevention funding and capacity-building opportunities. Falls Free CT members are expected to attend quarterly coalition meetings and complete quarterly feedback surveys; read communications and announcements from Falls Free CT leadership; be open to supporting Falls Free CT initiatives and collaborations; update Falls Free CT leaders about changes in their contact information and/or programs and services provided; and participate in Working Groups, based on interest and availability.