Expanding Strategies for Community Evidence-Based Fall Prevention - Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults (OAs) and adults with disabilities. This proposal outlines Stand Strong: Empowered Connections, a regional initiative to reduce fall risk in South Dakota and southwest Minnesota using evidence-based, person-centered strategies. Stand Strong will expand three proven fall prevention programs—A Matter of Balance (AMOB), Bingocize®, and Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)—beyond Southeastern SD into underserved areas of SD and SW MN. Programs will be offered in-person and virtually to ensure access for homebound and rural populations. The focus is on OAs (60+) with economic and social challenges and those with disabilities. Objectives: • Establish regional Stand Strong HUBs in rural, medically underserved areas; • Integrate an RN Case Manager to match participants with appropriate services; • Train leaders in person-centered care informed by local values; • Develop and share accessible resources and evaluation tools. Projected Participation: • Year 1 & 2: AMOB (175), Bingocize (125), SAIL (250) • Year 3: AMOB (350), Bingocize (250), SAIL (500) • Total (3 Years): AMOB (700), Bingocize (500), SAIL (1000) Strategic partnerships with Sanford Health, City of Sioux Falls, SD Dept. of Health and Human Services Senior Companions, ACE of SW MN, and other organizations will support recruitment, referrals, and service delivery. The geographic focus includes urban, rural, and frontier communities. Evaluation will track participant outcomes (e.g., STEDI, TUG, QOL), referrals, and community indicators (e.g., ED visits, lift assists). Findings will be shared with ACL, NCOA, and the SD Falls Prevention Coalition to support replication and sustainability.
