Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 23, 2024
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 18.7% of Michigan residents are 65 years of age or older; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that one-fourth of people age 65 and older will fall each year; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury; and,
WHEREAS, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, falls account for 75.57 deaths per 100,000 adults age 65 and older in Michigan in 2022 according to the CDC; and,
WHEREAS, falls can lead to depression, loss of mobility, and loss of functional independence; and,
WHEREAS, the financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $101 billion nationally by 2030; and,
WHEREAS, during 2022 there were 1,577 fall-related deaths for Michigan residents, and 89.2% of these, or 1,406, occurred in adults aged 65 and older; and,
WHEREAS, 25,193 Michigan residents were hospitalized due to a fall in 2022, and 75.2% of these occurred in the 65 and older population; and,
WHEREAS, there were 213,792 emergency department visits among Michigan residents in 2022 due to a fall-related injury; and,
WHEREAS, injuries from falls are largely a preventable public health problem; and,
WHEREAS, evidence-based programs reduce falls by utilizing cost-effective strategies, such as exercise programs to improve balance and strength, medication management, vision improvement, reduction of home hazards, and fall prevention education. It is recommended that these practices be adopted early as lifestyle changes to reduce risk as one ages; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Area Agencies on Aging, and the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition are working to increase awareness of this issue by tracking fall-related data, promoting multidisciplinary strategies to prevent falls, and encouraging older adults to take steps to decrease the risk of falling;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 23-27, 2024, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in Michigan and call upon our citizens and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote the awareness and prevention of falls.