Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Background

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults in Colorado, costing the state $739 million/year. Evidence-based fall prevention programs exist, but they’re underutilized and not systematically implemented statewide. The multi-year Scaling Trusted Evidence-based Fall Prevention (STEP) initiative scales evidence-based fall-prevention programs across Colorado and evaluates their real-world impact. We aimed to identify 10 fall-prevention program delivery sites across Colorado using a data-driven approach.

Methods

We mapped Colorado evidence-based fall prevention programs, then calculated county-level, age-specific, fall-associated ED visit incidence rates. Using 2019-2023 Census population estimates, SVI (Social Vulnerability Index), and CO Department of Public Health and Environment injury dashboard data, we created a series of choropleth maps showing Colorado counties with the highest density of older adults, highest frequency and rates of falls-associated ED visits, and highest SVI. Input from the STEP advisory board and the Colorado Falls Coalition informed the mapping tool and guided identification of high-priority regions for delivery site implementation. After candidates were identified, we conducted outreach to assess interest and distributed surveys to evaluate suitability.

Results

Areas (counties) identified as high-priority included the Denver Metro area (Adams, Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Denver), Front Range outside the Denver Metro area (Pueblo, El Paso, Weld, and Larimer), Western Slope (Mesa, La Plata, Montezuma, and Montrose), Central Mountains (Fremont, Summit), San Luis Valley, and Eastern Plains (Morgan, Las Animas). Thus far, we have identified 48 potential delivery sites. Final delivery site information will be finalized and available at time of conference.

Implications

Utilizing publicly available data sources can be a powerful way to aid public health program site exploration or research design. It allowed us to identify and target Colorado areas experiencing the highest need for fall prevention programs based on health care utilization data and falls risk factors.