Frankel Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Falls Prevention Awareness Week

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 21–25, 2026, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Week to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults. The resolution brings together Democrats and Republicans in support of helping seniors stay safe, healthy, and independent.

“I have seen firsthand how a fall can change someone’s life in an instant,” said Rep. Frankel. “Falls can be debilitating, heartbreaking, and expensive. But the good news is that many are preventable! We’re spreading the word about simple steps seniors can take to stay safe, healthy, and independent.”

Each year, 14 million older Americans experience falls, resulting in 3.2 million emergency room visits and 44,000 tragic deaths. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 and older, with non-fatal falls costing our health care system $80 billion annually. Seniors can reduce their risk of falling through basic home modifications and daily exercises, including Tai Chi.

“With falls affecting 14 million older Americans every year, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build the strength, balance, and resilience that support healthy aging,” said Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging. “We applaud this bipartisan resolution that seeks to raise awareness that falls are preventable and highlight evidence-based programs that reduce falls risk. We are grateful to Reps. Frankel, Bilirakis, Magaziner, Miller, and Morelle for championing this critical public health issue.”

With over 365,000 seniors in Palm Beach County, in 2023, Rep. Frankel secured funding to launch the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Fall Prevention Initiative, which provides free Tai Chi classes to older adults, an app to help older adults reduce fall risks, and more.

Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV-1), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), and Seth Magaziner (D-RI-2) joined Rep. Frankel in leading the resolution, which is also cosponsored by the following Members: Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Don Davis (D-NC-1), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-7), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-5), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Mark Pocan (D-WI-2), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9), Darren Soto (D-FL-9), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-1), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-3), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

The bipartisan resolution is supported by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and AARP.

For the full text of the resolution, click here.

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