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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 21-25, 2026, as Fall Prevention Week in Solano County (Chair Brown)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing September 21-25, 2026, as Fall Prevention Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Fall Prevention Week, observed September 21-25, 2026, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls among older adults are common, serious, and can be prevented. As the number of older adults continues to grow and people live longer, preventing falls is increasingly important to maintaining health, independence, and quality of life.
According to the California Department of Aging, in 2025 Solano County’s population aged 60 and older was approximately 110,000 people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults age 65 and older, and the national fall-related death rate increased 21 percent between 2018 and 2024. Approximately one in four older adults, or about 14 million people nationwide, experience a fall each year. Falls can result in fractures, head injuries, hospitalization, loss of mobility and independence, and other serious health consequences.
Many falls can be prevented by identifying and addressing individual and environmental risk factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several strategies to reduce fall risk, including discussing fall risks and medications with a health care provider, screening for osteoporosis, participating in strength and balance exercises, receiving regular vision care, and identifying and correcting hazards in the home. The National Council on Aging provides the Falls Free CheckUp, an online screening tool that helps older adults identify their fall risk and connects them with resources and practical steps to reduce falls.
Solano County and the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging plan and implement programs to help older and functionally impaired adults remain healthy, independent, and safely housed in the community. The Fall Prevention Program provides fall-risk assessments, education, assistive devices, and home modifications designed to reduce both falls and the fear of falling. In FY2025/26, the Fall Prevention Program completed 105 client assessments, 128 home modifications, and distributed 701 assistive devices. These interventions can include relatively simple modifications and equipment that improve safety and mobility in the home and help older adults continue living independently.
Recognition of Fall Prevention Week provides an opportunity to increase awareness of fall risks, connect older adults and their families with available prevention resources, and highlight local efforts that help Solano County residents remain safe, healthy, and independent as they age.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with adoption of the resolution are included in the Board’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of falls, particularly for older residents, and how to prevent them.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Health & Social Services Older and Disabled Adult Services Bureau, the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging, and the Advisory Council on Aging were involved in developing this agenda item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION