The Office of the Commissioners, Gooding County

Proclamation

Falls Prevention Awareness Month, September 2025

Whereas the State of Idaho is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, including a significant increase in the percentage of older adults; and

Whereas Gooding County Takes Great Pride in Providing and Excellent Quality of Life for our Residents while managing its Fiscal Responsibilities; and

Whereas falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths and injuries among older adults with 33.6% of Idahoans age 65+ falling each year, higher than the national average; and

Whereas 1 in 5 falls results in serious Physical harm such as broken bones, and are the #1 cause of traumatic brain injury across all age groups; and 

Whereas Idahoans incur a total of $164 million in costs related to falls each year with the average medical cost of a fall in Idaho being $38,373 across all age groups, of which state Medicaid pays $27 million, and Idahoans pay $26 million privately or out-of-pocket; and

Whereas falls often lead to additional psychosocial issues including depression, social isolation, decreased mobility, loss of independence, and early institutionalization; and

Whereas the impact of falls on local infrastructure including emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, emergency departments, critical access hospitals, trauma services, and long-term services and support is significant; and 

Whereas Gooding County Idaho recognizes the importance of health, safety, security, and independence of our residents; and

Whereas most falls are avoidable with modest interventions, based on awareness and simple strategies that significantly reduce the risk of these debilitating and often fatal events; and

Whereas public and private organizations and individuals throughout our community can effectively work together to provide education and guidance for individuals, families, caregivers, and our community to reduce the devastating impact of falls on our residents

Now, Therefore, We, The Commissioners of Gooding County Idaho, do hereby proclaim September 2025 to be Falls Prevention Awareness month. We urge every resident to acknowledge the physical, emotional, social, and financial costs for all of us when our residents fall, and to learn simple strategies to identify risks and reduce falls in our community

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hand, and caused the Seal of Gooding County Idaho to be affixed on the 2nd day of September, In the Year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-five

/s/Mark E. Bolduc

Mark E. Bolduc, Gooding County Commission Chairman