Concordia’s School of Health Professions and School of Pharmacy team up to provide services in celebration of Fall Prevention Awareness Day.Concordia’s School of Health Professions and School of Pharmacy team up to provide services in celebration of Fall Prevention Awareness Day.

Falls are not a normal part of aging, but they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.


That’s why Concordia University Wisconsin is partnering with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee County to offer community members free resources as part of the national Falls Prevention Awareness Day, an effort of the National Council on Aging and the Falls Free Coalition.

From 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 22, senior citizens living in the community are invited to stop by Concordia’s Mequon campus, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, to engage in a free health fair. Those who need transportation to the fair may call the ADRC at 262-284-8120.

The health fair will feature a variety of exhibits and information, including falls risk and balance screenings; medication reviews; information on healthy aging and literature on available programs; retirement planning information; and other available community resources.

Students and faculty in Concordia’s Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy programs will be present to provide assessments and information. Also in attendance will be elder benefit specialists and information and assistance staff from the ADRC, as well as leaders and master trainers from the Stepping On Falls Prevention program.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of celebrating falls prevention education and collaboration as part of Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Across the nation on Sept. 22, anniversary celebrations will bring together older adults and their loved ones, health and aging professionals, and community leaders in support of falls prevention. Events like the one Concordia is hosting will empower older adults to stay active, independent and safe in their homes and communities.

— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.

If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.