HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09162008 - PR.2 IIl�
IN THE MATTER OF PROCLAIMING RESOLUTION NO. 2008/544
THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2008
AS FALL PREVENTION AWARNESS WEEK
WHEREAS, it is estimated that nearly 15 percent of Contra Costa County's estimated 1,025,000 people
are 60 years of age or older; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that one-third of adults over the age of 60 and 50 percent of adults over the
age of 80 will fall each year,with medical costs of each fall-related hospitalization estimated at$52,447; and
WHEREAS, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people over the age of 60, and the leading
cause of doctor visits, hospital admissions, and emergency room visits; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, 2,254 older adults in Contra Costa County suffered injuries from a fall great enough
to result in hospitalization; and
WHEREAS, falling, and the feat of falling, can lead to depression, isolation, diminished mobility, and loss
of functional independence; and
WHEREAS,injuries from falls are a largely preventable community health problem;,and
WHEREAS, the cause of falls is composed of multiple contributing factors including lack of strength in
the lower extremities, the use of multiple medications, reduced vision, chronic>health'problems, and unsafe
environments; and
WHEREAS, concentrated efforts are being made in Contra Costa County to reduce falls and fall related
injuries by using multi-faceted interventions; and
WHEREAS, at the state level SCR 77 (D-Lowenthal) Fall PreventionAwareness Week, has passed the
Senate and the Assembly;and
WHEREAS, at the federal level the Safety of Seniors Act'of 2007(S 845) was passed in April. This bill
calls for the expansion of public health programs, educational outreach, and research activities related to
fall prevention; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim the
week of September 21, 2008, as "FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK" In Contra
Costa County and calls upon our_citizens and interested groups to observe the week with
appropriate activities that promote awareness of fall prevention.
FEDERAL D. GLOVER
Chair
District V Supervisor
HN GIOIA GAYLE B LKEMA
ct I Supervisor District II Supervisor
N. PIEPHO SUSAN A. BONILLA
District III Supervisor District IV Supervisor
_ I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action
_ f taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors
► s - * on the date shown:
k l `
r. * ATTESTED: September 16,2008
0
DAVID J. TWA, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and
v� County dminicstrator.
1L�' Deputy
�`q COUP1'� By �
- __L
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS �?= - ��=°� Contra
FROM: Joe Valentine, Director
Costa
E=mployment and Human Services r a
DATE: September 16, 2008
County
SUBJECT: Presentation on Fall Prevention Awareness Week Pei
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
ACCEPT presentation on Fall Prevention Awareness Week as recommended by the Employment and Human
Services Department.
BACKGROUND:
In 2005 there were 2,254 fall related hospitalizations of residents 60 years and older in Contra Costa County,
and that average cost of a hospitalization due to a fall in our county was $52,447. The cost of falls in Contra
Costa adds up to an estimated cost of$118 million a year. Of those who fall, many suffer moderate to severe
injuries such as bruises, hip factures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around and limit
independent living, as well as increase the risk of early death. Fortunately falls are often preventable with
education, home risk prevention, medical assessment, and balance and mobility activities.
The new Fall Prevention Program of Contra Costa County strives to reduce preventable injuries, loss of
independence and costs of death associated with falls among seniors and people with disabilities by raising
awareness and developing fall prevention programs. The Fall Prevention Program operates under the auspice
of Meals on Wheels — Senior Outreach Services in partnership with Contra Costa County Area Agency on
Aging, Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department's In Home Supportive Services,
Contra Costa Health Services, Jewish Children & Family Services of the East Bay and John Muir Senior
Services.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: --Zes No SIG AfV TURE:�i:)
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
i APPROVE OTHER
SIGNA URE S
ACTION OF BOARD OIJ �et' l APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED V OPER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON MINUTES
v/
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
) ]'/
ABSENT: ABSTOAIN: ATTESTED: �)W .t �/k, _ 16;
DSD TWA,CLERK OF THE'BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Contact: Nhang Luong 5-8783 AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
cc: EHSD BY: �� DEPUTY