Congress Designates September 22-28, 2025, as 'National Falls Prevention Awareness Week' to Target $80 Billion Problem

This Concurrent Resolution officially designates the week of September 22 through September 28, 2025, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Week." Essentially, Congress is putting a spotlight on a massive public health issue: older adults falling, and the huge costs that follow. This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it acknowledges that falls are the number one cause of injury and related death for people over 65, leading to about 3 million emergency room visits annually.

The $80 Billion Problem

When we talk about policy, we often have to talk about money, and this issue hits the wallet hard. The bill text highlights that the direct medical cost for non-fatal falls among older adults is estimated at a staggering $80 billion every year. Think about that: $80 billion is what we, as taxpayers and consumers, are collectively paying to patch people up after preventable accidents. For the average person juggling rising healthcare premiums, this resolution is a nod to the fact that prevention is often the cheapest medicine. By boosting awareness, the goal is to cut down on those ER visits and hospital stays that drive up costs for everyone, whether you’re paying into Medicare or just covering your own family’s insurance.

More Than Just a Week

While the resolution primarily sets aside a week for awareness, it also serves as a formal recognition of the good work already being done. The text specifically calls out that many falls are preventable by tackling biological, behavioral, and environmental hazards. This means recognizing the importance of things like balance training, medication reviews, and simply making homes safer—like removing trip hazards. It’s a green light and a pat on the back for the nurses, physical therapists, community groups, and local public health agencies already running proven, cost-effective prevention programs. For those working in healthcare or community services, this resolution is Congress saying, "We see you, and we back continued Federal funding for these programs."

What This Means for Everyday Life

This resolution won't change your insurance deductible next week, but it signals a focus on preventing serious, life-altering injuries for the older people in your life. If you have a parent or grandparent, this awareness week is designed to mobilize resources and information that can help you proactively assess their risk. Maybe it means reminding them to get their vision checked, or maybe it means getting a physical therapist to do a home safety assessment. Because this resolution is non-binding and focused purely on awareness, there are no new regulations or costs being imposed. It’s simply policy aligning with public health data to say: Falls are a crisis, they cost a fortune, and we have the tools to stop them. Let’s use them.