WHEREAS, falls are a serious and growing public health concern and are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among older adults; and

WHEREAS, falls often result in serious injuries such as hip fractures and head trauma and cause a loss of independence, significantly impacting the quality of life for older adults and their families; and

WHEREAS, approximately 30 percent of Maine citizens aged 65 years and older report falling each year, resulting in over 20,000 calls to first responders and over 300 deaths; and

WHEREAS, falls are associated with large financial implications to heath systems and individuals, with costs associated with non-fatal fall care exceeding $80 billion dollars nationally and over $255 million in Maine annually; and

WHEREAS, falling is not a natural part of aging and many falls are preventable through proactive measures like regular exercise, home safety modifications, healthcare and medication reviews, the use of assistive devices, and accessible community design; and

WHEREAS, addressing the risk and impact of falls requires a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to create safer environments and promote effective fall prevention strategies; and

WHEREAS, Falls Prevention Week, observed annually in September, serves to elevate awareness about the impact of falls, promote coordinated community-based interventions, and encourage cross-sector partnerships including local Community Risk Reduction programs to reduce fall risk and foster a culture of safety and wellness;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of September 22-26, 2025 as

Maine Falls Prevention Week

and I urge everyone to increase their awareness of fall risks, support injury prevention efforts, and work together across disciplines and sectors to reduce falls and promote strategies that support healthy aging.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this third day of September Two Thousand Twenty-Five