September 21, 2026
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 19.6% of Michigan residents are 65 years of age or older and it is estimated that one in four people age 65 and older will fall each year; and,
WHEREAS, about 37% of those who fall report an injury that requires medical attention or restricts activity; and,
WHEREAS, falls are a leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, in Michigan in 2024, falls accounted for 77.7 deaths per 100,000 adults age 65 and older and in 2024 there were 1,701 fall-related deaths for Michigan residents, and 90.7% of these, or 1,544, deaths occurred in adults age 65 and older; and,
WHEREAS, falls can lead to depression, loss of mobility and loss of functional independence; and,
WHEREAS, costs for treating injuries caused by falls among older adults are expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $101 billion nationally by 2030; and,
WHEREAS, 26,611 Michigan residents were hospitalized due to a fall in 2024, and 77.6% of these occurred in the 65 and older population; and,
WHEREAS, there were 236,773 emergency department visits among Michigan residents in 2024 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 using 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, Michigan residents, practitioners and caregivers are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or go to mi211.org to find falls prevention resources that may be available in their communities; 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 prevention strategies and encouraging older adults to take steps to decrease the risk of falling;
NOW THEREFORE, that I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 21-25, 2026, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in Michigan and call upon our residents and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote awareness and fall prevention.
