"Prioritizing Community-Clinical Linkages to Prevent Falls in Older Adults"

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) has published a new article highlighting strategies to strengthen community-clinical linkages for older adult falls prevention. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, and effective prevention requires coordination between healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community-based organizations. The article explores evidence-based approaches, including the CDC's Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) initiative, and shares examples from Iowa and Oklahoma demonstrating how states are improving referrals to community programs and expanding access to falls prevention services. It also outlines key strategies for building sustainable partnerships that help older adults maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.