Reported October 9: HHS announced up to $27.8 million over three years for three falls-prevention initiatives. The awards will expand CDC’s STEADI screening and Stepping On, an evidence-based community program addressing strength, balance, medications, vision, footwear and home safety. HHS says the work will strengthen clinical-community referral networks and help reach older adults before a fall causes injury or loss of independence.

DomAfina’s analysis: this is funding, not a new provider mandate—but it creates a practical partnership opportunity. Add a brief fall-risk screen at start of care, reassessment, after medication changes and post-hospital return. Map local awardees, Area Agencies on Aging and approved class providers; send closed-loop referrals; document acceptance and completion. The useful metric is not “screened.” It is “risk found, support connected, outcome followed.”

Source reviewed: HHS: Up to $27.8 Million for Falls Prevention. The source supports the reported update; the operational recommendations are DomAfina’s analysis.