STEADI to Stepping On: Scaling Evidence-Based Falls Prevention in Iowa Through Community-Clinical Partnerships - The Iowa Community HUB will strengthen Iowa's statewide falls prevention system by expanding evidence-based falls prevention through a coordinated Community Care Hub (CCH) model that connects healthcare providers, community-based organizations (CBOs), and aging and disability services. Over three years, the project will increase participation in the evidence-based Stepping On program, strengthen statewide capacity to deliver falls prevention services, and improve access for older adults and adults with disabilities to coordinated, person-centered care that supports healthy aging and independence. The project will integrate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) clinical framework with Stepping On through partnerships with healthcare providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the State Unit on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, the University of Iowa Health Care Level 1 Trauma Center, the Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition, managed care organizations, and CBOs across Iowa. Healthcare providers will identify individuals at risk for falls using standardized screening and connect them to the Iowa Community HUB for person-centered navigation, care coordination, and referrals to evidence-based falls prevention programs and community services. The project will implement a whole-person approach by addressing factors that influence falls risk and healthy aging, including mobility, nutrition, medication safety, behavioral health, social connection, transportation, and other health-related social needs. The project will expand instructor training, strengthen statewide clinical-community partnerships, integrate technology to improve coordination across healthcare and community settings, and increase access for adults ages 60–70, adults with disabilities, Spanish-speaking older adults through Pisando Fuerte, rural communities, and older adults with the greatest social and economic need. Project outcomes include increased participation in evidence-based falls prevention programs, expanded statewide capacity to deliver Stepping On, stronger clinical-community partnerships, and improved access to coordinated falls prevention services. Project products will include Section 508-compliant educational materials, training resources, implementation tools, and best practice guides that support replication and long-term sustainability. By strengthening Iowa's statewide falls prevention system and connecting more Iowans to evidence-based services, the project will help reduce falls, support healthy aging, and improve independence and quality of life.
