Scottsbluff, Neb., – Half of all individuals in western Nebraska who are injured from a fall will be admitted to a hospital or pass away as a result of the fall, according to the Nebraska Trauma Registry. Most frequently, seniors fall at home, and unfortunately the majority of them are unable to return home after they leave the hospital. In the panhandle, fall-related injuries are the number one cause of injury.

To reduce the risk of trauma from accidental falls, Scotts Bluff County seniors, in partnership with Scotts Bluff County Health and Regional West Medical Center Trauma Services Injury Prevention program, have been building confidence with the seven-week “Stepping On - Building Confidence, Reducing Falls” program. “Stepping On” is a class that covers balance, strength training, vision, medications, safe footwear, and potential fall hazards.

“With proper awareness and education offered through ’Stepping On‘ to the seniors in our community, we hope to reverse the statistics,” said Holly Johnston, Regional West Injury Prevention Coordinator.

To learn more about how you can help prevent falls and to register for “Stepping On,” please contact Johnston at 308-630-1584, or Terri Allen with Scotts Bluff County Health Department at 308-630-1580.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.