Need for a fall prevention effort was suggested by Suellen Novotny,
Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Executive Directory, to JCLC
Policy Board members who were seeking input on the needs
of local seniors.
In response, JCLC volunteers formed a fall prevention action
team. A subcommittee focused on options to form a collaborative
coalition, develop a project plan, and secure funding. The Sure Steps Coalition grew out of this subcommittee's efforts.
In 2010, the coalition was awarded funding from the Wellmark Foundation for a project to develop and implement a self-sustaining fall prevention effort in Johnson County. The Sure Steps Coalition is led by a board whose members actively work to achieve the project's goals. The project timeline runs through December 15, 2012.
Board Members
- Elder Services, Inc (grantee), Susan Wehr
- Heritage Area Agency on Aging, Jill Gleason
- Johnson County Livable Community, Bob Welsh
- Johnson County Public Health, Doug Beardsley
- Iowa Geriatric Education Center, Paul Mulhausen
- University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, John Lundell
- University of Iowa College of Nursing Faculty Practice, Sherry McKay
- Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), Joyce Eland
- Project Coordinator, Mary Willie
Supporting Community Partners
- Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
- Benson & Hepker Design
Project Goals
- Increase awareness of personal and direct costs of falls for seniors, and draw attention to steps that can reduce falls.
- Increase home safety and personal risk assessment usage to help seniors and thier care givers identify risks and make modifications.
- Motivate seniors to increase physical activity utilizing exercises appropriate for individual ability levels; provide fitness resource guides for activities throughout Johnson County.
- Develop prevention training for care providers - web-based modules for health care professionals; materials for in-home service providers and volunteers.
- Strengthen transitional care coordination from health care settings to community-based services to prevent future falls.