WASC April 2025 - Fall Prevention and Risk Assessment

Falls are NOT a natural part of aging, yet falls in the 60 and over population have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with Holmes and Wayne County feeling the effects of this mostly preventable injury. Unfortunately, Wayne County is ranked among the top ten Ohio counties for the highest number of deaths related to a fall.

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The Falls Prevention Program of Holmes & Wayne, under the guidance of the Holmes County General Health District, has created a Falls Self-Inspection Checklist to guide falls prevention efforts in county businesses, agencies, and religious sites. The checklist is used as an educational service that reviews potential fall risks focused on those individuals who are 60 and over who frequent the business, agency, or religious sites. The checklist will help promote falls prevention within Wayne County.

With the help of evidence-based programs, this risk can be decreased. The Falls Prevention Program of Holmes, Wayne & Ashland is working toward preventing falls by partnering with local agencies and community members to decrease fall-related injuries. On Wednesday, April 23 Kerry MacQueen with the Wayne County Health Department will discuss the steps that can be taken to prevent fall injuries.

Kerry MacQueen graduated from Kent State University in Kent, OH August of 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leisure Studies with concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. She obtained a Master of Arts degree in Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, OH May of 2007.

MacQueen is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist from the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Master Trainer of A Matter of Balance, Stepping On Facilitator, Geri-Fit Instructor, and a Certified Adult Vision Screener.

MacQueen is the Health Educator/Injury Prevention Coordinator for the Holmes County General Health District’s Falls Prevention Program of Holmes & Wayne. The Falls Prevention Program is an ODH grant funded program and is one of five within the State of Ohio that focuses on falls prevention in older adults. The program’s vision is that older adults will have fewer falls and fall related injuries, maximizing their

independence and quality of life.

MacQueen has over 30 years of experience working with older adults in adult daycare, long term care, and public health settings. She is passionate about providing opportunities for older adults to remain healthy, active, and engaged in life.

This meeting will take place at the First Presbyterian Church in Wooster from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

The Wooster Area Safety Council meets monthly to share knowledge on relevant topics, network with fellow industry professionals, assist organizations in creating safer workplaces, and provide companies with opportunities to earn a rebate on their workers' compensation premiums.