Montana Falls Prevention Program Expanding Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs - The Montana Falls Prevention Program (FPP), led by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), proposes a comprehensive statewide initiative to reduce falls and associated risks among older adults and adults with disabilities, particularly those in rural and frontier areas of Montana. The FPP will expand access to three evidence-based falls prevention programs (EBFPPs): Bingocize, Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention (TCAFP). Bingocize will be delivered both remotely and in-person to improve reach and inclusion in Montana’s rural and frontier regions. Over the three-year grant period, the FPP aims to reach an estimated 1,890 new participants and achieve a 72% completer rate of an estimated 1,361 participants—see the table below for the breakdown of participants by program and year: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Bingocize 100 200 300 600 SAIL 260 270 280 810 TCAFP 130 160 190 480 Total 490 630 770 1,890 Key partnerships will be established and leveraged with existing intervention delivery sites, the Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau (CDPHPB) 15 coordinated regional health districts, and the Montana State Unit on Aging nine regional Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and senior centers within the AAA regions. Objectives include expanding partnerships, increasing the number of trained leaders and intervention sites, utilizing a bi-directional referral system, and strengthening surveillance and data systems. Outcomes include building a continuum of care structure, increased confidence and independence among older adults, reduced falls, and enhanced capacity for sustainability, and a person-centered EBFPP implementation. All programs will follow trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and person-centered principles. Dissemination will include the development of replicable resources for statewide use. The FPP will work closely with Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the National Falls Prevention Resource Center to evaluate outcomes and share best practices across the aging and disability network.
