health sciences, fall prevention, chris wilson, sara arena, Oakland University
June 5, 2025
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living and Supports Health Services, the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition, and Oakland University have come together to partner with Michigan 211 to offer fall prevention resources on the website mi211.org. The information is designed to connect health care providers, community organizations and residents with vital fall prevention resources.
Statistically, about 30% of Michiganders ages 65 and older report falling each year and most of these falls occur at home.
“Oakland University is proud to lead innovative research and community partnerships that improve the health and safety of Michiganders,” said Chris Wilson, PT, DScPT, DPT, GCS, lead author on the grant application, and associate professor of physical therapy program in Oakland University’s School of Health Sciences. “Through our leadership within the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition and initiatives like the 211 resource platform, we are committed to connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities to the services and supports they need to stay safe, active, and independent in their homes and communities.”
Dr. Wilson collaborated on OU’s part of the initiative with Sara Arena, PT, MS, DScPT, professor and director of the physical therapy program in the School of Health Sciences at OU.
Dr. Arena added, “As we advance in age, it’s important to recognize that anyone may benefit from tools and support to reduce fall risk and safely age in the places they call home. Having a centralized, easily accessible resource hub is essential, not only for older adults but also for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community. This kind of statewide access helps empower all Michiganders to take proactive steps toward healthy aging."
Through the new website, individuals and health care professionals can access resources and services through the site or by calling 211. Searches for education and safety planning resources, physical health and wellness services, daily living supports and home accessibility modifications can be conducted by ZIP code. In addition, 211 specialists have been trained to assist callers in locating fall prevention services.
The website was made possible through a $408,499 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Healthy Aging Grant. Funding also supported development of the Michigan Falls Coalition website and an awareness campaign about the Michigan 211 resource. The coalition is supported through partnerships with MDHHS and Oakland University and brings together organizations and providers to collaborate to reduce fall risks among older adults and adults with disabilities, identify state or community needs, recommend policy changes and build capacity.
Health care providers and community organizations can help expand this resource by adding fall prevention programs to the website. Eligible programs include:
- Fall prevention education and exercise programs.
- Senior-focused exercise programs.
- Urinary incontinence prevention initiatives.
- Nutrition services supporting fall risk reduction.
- Durable medical equipment providers offering fall prevention-related items.
- Home and environmental modification programs.
- Other related fall prevention-focused programming.
Organizations and providers interested in listing their programs or updating existing details can visit mi211.org/providers. For more information, visit the 211 falls prevention page mi211.org or the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition’s website at mifallsprevention.org.
(Readers Note: Much of this story information was taken from the MDHHS news release on the program launch with many thanks to Lynn Sutfin, Public Information Officer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Kayla Smith, Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator)