Halifax Health and Community Partners Unveil World Class Falls Prevention and Assessment Program

Daytona Beach, FL – (April 8, 2025) Halifax Health is excited to announce the launch of the region’s most comprehensive Falls Prevention and Assessment Program, now available at local YMCA locations. This program is designed to address one of the most pressing health concerns for older adults—preventing falls that can lead to serious injury or even death.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, with millions of Americans aged 65 and older experiencing falls each year. In response to this alarming statistic, Halifax Health has taken proactive measures by offering a multi-faceted approach to fall prevention, starting with a free online Fall Risk Assessment and followed by a thorough in-person evaluation for those identified as high-risk. Every year, approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults, leading to over 32,000 deaths. One in five falls results in serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.

Recognizing the critical need for effective fall prevention strategies, Halifax Health has partnered with Palmer Chiropractic Clinic, Brooks Rehabilitation, Atlantic Hearing, and the Volusia Flagler YMCA to bring this comprehensive assessment program directly to the community.

Maddi Scheipeter, Halifax Healthy Living Coordinator at the YMCA, highlighted the importance of community involvement: "At the YMCA, we are dedicated to providing classes and interventions that support our members in leading healthy, active lives. Our falls assessments, education, and classes are designed not just to strengthen the body but to empower individuals with the skills and confidence they need to avoid falls. A thorough falls assessment is essential for anyone who feels unsteady or uncertain about their balance, and we are here to support them every step of the way."

There are three parts to this initiative: A free online assessment, an in-person comprehensive assessment, and then community offered interventions.  This is the most detailed and holistic falls assessment available in the region.

For those identified as high-risk, the program offers a variety of follow-up options tailored to individual needs and preferences: Balance Training, Safe Falling Techniques, Physical Therapy, Hearing Treatments, and Strength Training. Participants will have the freedom to choose from these options based on their comfort level and personal preferences, ensuring a supportive and effective approach to fall prevention.

Heather Bowyer, Chiropractic Physician, Dean of Clinics at Palmer College Chiropractic, emphasized the role of chiropractic care in fall prevention: "Chiropractic interventions can play a crucial role in maintaining balance and mobility, which are key factors in preventing falls. By addressing misalignments and improving joint function, we help individuals move more confidently and reduce their risk of falling."

Older adults and their caregivers are encouraged to begin by completing the free online Fall Risk Assessment, which offers immediate insights into their fall risk level. Those identified as high-risk will be invited to participate in the in-person assessment at the YMCA, ensuring they receive the most comprehensive evaluation and support available.

To take the online Fall Risk Assessment or to learn more about the Falls Prevention and Assessment Program, visit https://halifaxhealth.org/fall-prevention or call 386.425.4224.

About Halifax Health:

Halifax Health is the leading healthcare provider for Volusia and Flagler counties, offering a comprehensive range of services through a network that includes a tertiary hospital, two community hospitals, an urgent care network, psychiatric services, and a specialized cancer treatment center with multiple outreach locations. As the area’s only provider of a Level II Trauma Center, Center for Transplant Services, and a Pediatric Emergency Department staffed 24/7 by board-certified pediatricians, Halifax Health is also home to the region's longest-standing Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services. In addition, Halifax Health has collaborated with UF Health to bring over fourteen specialties to the area.

Recognized for excellence and innovation, Halifax Health consistently receives top ratings, including a 5 STAR rating in the CMS Quality of Patient Care, multiple accreditations from CARF International for inpatient rehabilitation, and the prestigious Novalis Certification of Excellence for its cancer treatment center. The organization has also achieved a 3 Star Rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgery for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, is designated as a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Hospital, with high performance in heart failure and knee and hip replacement. Halifax Health Hospice is repeatedly honored as the Top Rated and Most Recommended Hospice in Central Florida, underscoring its commitment to providing the highest level of care. With a legacy of excellence and community service since 1928, Halifax Health continues to set the standard for quality and compassionate care in the region.