STEP Forward California will expand statewide access to falls-risk screening and evidence-based Stepping On workshops for adults aged 60 and older and adults with disabilities. - Partners in Care Foundation (Partners) proposes Statewide Technology-Enabled Engagement and Prevention – Forward California (STEP FC), a three-year statewide initiative integrating the CDC’s STEADI framework with the evidence-based Stepping On program for Californians aged 60+. From September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2029, STEP FC will connect Northern California’s clinical and community strengths with Southern California’s community-care infrastructure to create a sustainable falls-prevention system. Partners will collaborate with the California Departments of Aging and Public Health; clinical and referral partners – UC Davis Health Geriatrics and Trauma Center, CommonSpirit Health, and Episcopal Communities & Services; implementation partners – the California Healthier Living and StopFalls Sacramento Coalitions; aging organizations; Partners’ Community Care Hub members; and technology partner – Blue Marble Health. Partners and our collaborators will identify individuals at risk of falls and establish technology-supported, closed-loop pathways for STEADI screening, assessment, referral, Stepping On enrollment, feedback, and follow-up. STEP FC will prioritize adults aged 60–70, who will comprise 50% of participants, and individuals with the greatest economic and social needs. Goals – inventory statewide capacity, train or activate 30 Stepping On facilitators, establish five implementation sites, complete 5,000 STEADI screenings, generate 1,500 referrals, enroll 400 participants, and support 300 completers. A whole-person approach will connect participants with medication review, home safety, vision care, behavioral health, nutrition, transportation, and other supports. Expected outcomes include increased knowledge, confidence, and protective behaviors; reduced fear of falling; stronger clinical-community coordination; and expanded sustainable capacity. Products will include implementation workflows, closed-loop referral and fidelity tools, outreach templates, technology and data guides, financing strategies, and a statewide replication guide for dissemination through California’s aging networks.
