Pierce County proclaims Sept. 22 Fall Prevention Awareness Day, highlights exercise programs and coalition outreach

On Sept. 10 the Pierce County Council and Executive proclaimed Sept. 22, 2025, as Fall Prevention Awareness Day in Pierce County and announced a free community event at the Mel Coram Family YMCA in Puyallup.

Council member Kruger read the proclamation into the record, citing state and national data about falls among older adults and noting the Pierce County Fall Prevention Coalitions role in education and outreach. "Falls are preventable," the proclamation states, and lists prevention measures endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: regular exercise, medication review with a health care provider, annual eye exams and home safety devices.

Ivan Tadella of Pierce County Human Services, speaking for the coalition, described county fall-prevention resources and a multilingual Stepping Ahead brochure that was distributed to 3,000 Santa for Seniors participants and is printed in English, Korean, Khmer, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. "Our mission is to reduce falls at home, at work, and in the communities of Pierce County through public education and awareness activities," Tadella said.

Local program instructors and participants addressed the council about community-level impact. Baba Yucheff, senior fitness instructor with Key Peninsula Community Services, described SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) classes and Tai Chi for Better Balance, urging regular participation at least three times per week. Linda, a class participant, spoke about learning techniques that reduce fear of falling and improve balance. East Pierce Fire and Rescue representatives said fall-related 911 dispatches are a substantial share of EMS calls and described efforts to identify and follow up with people who receive lift-assist calls but are not transported to hospitals.

Council members emphasized everyday prevention and outreach. Council member Yambe cited national cost estimates for nonfatal falls and urged investments in prevention and infrastructure; Council member Denson thanked providers and volunteers, noting the value of programs that teach both strength-building and how to fall safely.

The proclamation encourages residents to attend the free Sept. 22 event and to consult the countys Aging and Disability Resources (search 'Pierce County ADR') for more information on classes and community resources.