Public Health Agency of Canada Supports Fall Prevention Among Canadian Seniors
News release
Parachute Canada receives funding to develop online hub and fall prevention network
February 12, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Public Health Agency of Canada
In Canada, seniors who experience a fall are significantly more likely to sustain injury, are less able to recover fully, and are at increased risk of loss of independence than a younger population. The Government of Canada is committed to promoting healthy aging and preventing falls among Canadian seniors.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced that the Public Health Agency of Canada is providing $250,000 to Parachute Canada for its Pan-Canadian Seniors' Fall Prevention Network project. In collaboration with other organizations focused on injury prevention across Canada, Parachute Canada will create an online hub for individuals and health professionals, making it easier for them to find tools, resources and information related to fall prevention and recovery.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the safety of our older population and helping them live healthy, active and independent lives. The Pan-Canadian Seniors' Fall Prevention Network will enable Canadians, including health professionals, to easily find the information they need to both minimize falls among seniors and help with recovery after a fall."
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health"This funding is critical to Canadian seniors' health and well-being. When a senior experiences a fall the consequences can be devastating-resulting in loss of mobility, diminished independence, or even illness. This initiative will help support seniors and go a long way towards improving their quality of life."
The Honourable Filomena Tassi
Minister of Seniors"The Pan-Canadian Seniors' Fall Prevention Network project will facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing across sectors and disciplines. This will ensure that Canadian seniors and their caregivers have supportive and healthy environments that can assist seniors in living well as they age."
Dr. Theresa Tam
Chief Public Health Officer"Parachute, as Canada's national charity dedicated to injury prevention, is honoured to be chosen to lead this initiative that will ensure all Canadians and health practitioners have access to the best evidence-based information and programs available about seniors' falls."
Steve Podborski, O.C.
President and CEO, Parachute
Quick facts
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20-30% of seniors experience at least one fall each year.
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Of those seniors who experience a fall, close to 20% die within one year of the fall.
Associated links
Contacts
Thierry Bélair
Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca
Public Inquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709
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