According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 years and older. Over 14 million, or 1 in 4 older adults report falling every year, contributing to over 900,000 hospitalizations annually.
As an integral framework for public health policies, programs, and services, the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) guide strategic planning to protect and promote the health “of all people in all communities”
Public health emergencies can arise in a variety of ways, each with their own unique set of challenges for businesses, communities, and individuals. They frequently arise during or after the occurrence of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods.
In the world of public health, data plays a vital role by not only alerting us to pressing public health issues, but by shedding light on potential solutions.
According to Trust for America’s Health’s 2023 Pain in the Nation report , the rate of U.S. deaths due to alcohol, drugs, and suicide rose 11% in 2021.
In 2017, Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), in partnership with The John A. Hartford Foundation, led a convening to explore opportunities for the public health sector to contribute to an age-friendly society and improve the health and well-being of older adults.
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is a committed partner of the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems (AFPHS) movement. During the beginning of 2022, ASTHO conducted a widespread environmental scan to track and identify public health trends within the United States.
Without appropriate and accessible transportation options, older adults may miss crucial medical appointments, miss opportunities for social engagement, and be limited in their ability to visit with family and shop for nutritious foods.
More older Americans live in rural communities than urban – 4 percent more. And these older adults also have higher levels of health and social needs.