NATIVE HEALTH Strong Steps Fall Prevention Program for Urban Indigenous Elders in Maricopa County. - NATIVE HEALTH is a non-profit 501c3 Urban Indian Health Center providing services to the urban indigenous community in Maricopa County. The agency proposes to deliver an evidence-based fall prevention program to the urban indigenous population age 55 and older. Arizona and Maricopa County Health data shows that this population at highest risk from fall-related injury and this is demonstrated from in-patient hospitalization, emergency department utilization, and death rates across the State and the County. The program proposes the use of the Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Program and a train-the-trainer modality to institutionalize MOB in chronic disease and outreach program within NATIVE HEALTH. Through this program NATIVE HEALTH will achieve the following goals and objectives: By December 2030, the NATIVE HEALTH Strong Steps Program will reduce the rate of fall-related emergency department (ED) visits among American Indian/Alaska Native adults aged 55 and older in Maricopa County by 20% through implementation and scaling of the Matter of Balance evidence-based program at the NATIVE HEALTH clinics. Objective 1: By December 2027, train at least 2 certified Matter of Balance coaches and enroll a minimum of 120 AI/AN elders across two community sites in Maricopa County, achieving a participant completion rate of 80% or higher. Objective 2: By December 2030, 80% of program completers will report increased confidence in managing fall risk (measured via pre/post-survey), and the fall-related emergency department visit rate for enrolled participants will decrease by at least 15% compared to baseline.
