Aleut Commuity of St Paul Island Injury Prevention Program - The proposed project focuses on reducing falls and fall-related injuries among Elders through the implementation of a focused fall prevention initiative aligned with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Injury and Violence Prevention Part 2. Our program addresses the growing need to improve home safety and enhance the quality of life for older adults in our community. Elders make up 30% of our population and currently do not have access to these programs due to the remote location of the community and limited services available. Our goal is to develop and implement an Elder Injury Prevention Program centered on two key activities: Home Safety Assessments and Home Modifications. The program will begin with individualized home safety assessments conducted by existing staff to identify potential fall hazards and home repair needs to minimize injuries in the home. Following each assessment, we will work collaboratively with Elders and families, and our housing and maintenance departments to implement targeted home modifications—such as installing outdoor lights, removing tripping hazards by cleaning debris and trash, replacing crumbling steps, removing bathtubs, and installing walk in showers—to create safer home environments. Expected outcomes include: A measurable reduction in fall-related incidents among participating Elders; increased awareness among Elders and caregivers about fall prevention and home safety, and strengthened partnerships between health, housing, and community service providers to support elder well-being and independence. Our project will incorporate a clear evaluation plan to monitor implementation progress and outcomes; document lessons learned and identify strategies for program sustainability beyond the grant period. Through this initiative, we aim to build a safer, healthier community where Elders can continue to live independently with dignity and reduced risk of injury.
