Region 8 Fall Prevention Initiative

LERN Launches Regional Fall Prevention Initiative

Working Together to Prevent Falls

The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) is launching a region 8 fall prevention initiative in partnership with area healthcare organizations, community agencies, senior-serving organizations, first responders, and other community partners across the northeast region.

Falls are a leading mechanism of injury, affecting individuals and families while placing a significant burden on emergency medical services, hospitals, caregivers, and communities.

This initiative takes a proactive approach to fall prevention by bringing many of our collaborative partners together for screening, education, and delivery of resources directly into the community.

Funded through a grant from the Living Well Foundation, the project will continue through August 2027. During this time, LERN and its partners will host community events throughout the region to:

* Identify individuals who may be at increased risk for falls

* Provide fall-risk assessments and education

* Increase awareness of factors that contribute to falls

* Connect participants with appropriate healthcare and community resources

* Promote strategies that can help individuals remain safe, active, and independent

* Strengthen collaboration among healthcare, EMS, public health, and community organizations

Community Kickoff Event

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Ouachita Parish Public Health Meeting Room

1650 Desiard St. | Monroe, LA

We invite community leaders, healthcare professionals, EMS partners, public health organizations, senior-serving agencies, rehabilitation professionals, community organizations, and anyone interested in fall prevention to join us for the kickoff.

The event will introduce the regional initiative, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and explore how we can work together to reduce falls and fall-related injuries in our communities.

“Fall prevention is a community responsibility. No single organization can address all of the factors that contribute to falls. When healthcare, public health, EMS, community organizations, and individuals work together, we have a much greater opportunity to prevent injuries and improve quality of life.”

— Deborah Spann, Education Coordinator, Louisiana Emergency Response Network

How Community Partners Can Help

Community partners are essential to the success of this initiative. Organizations can support the effort by:

Connecting us with your community

Help us identify opportunities to bring fall-risk screening and education to the people you serve.

Sharing information

Help spread the word about fall prevention events, resources, and educational opportunities.

Connecting participants to resources

Help individuals identified as being at increased risk access appropriate healthcare, rehabilitation, community, and supportive services.

Joining the regional partnership

Work with LERN and other organizations to build a stronger, more coordinated approach to preventing falls.

Together, We Can Prevent Falls

Fall prevention does not begin in the emergency department—it begins before the fall happens.

By identifying risk early, providing education, and connecting individuals with the right resources, we can help prevent injuries and support healthier, safer, and more independent lives.

We invite you to collaborate with LERN in this important regional effort.

For More Information

Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN)

Deborah Spann

225-456-3803

[email protected] mailto:[email protected]

***This initiative funded by the Living Well Foundation

“The Living Well Foundation is a public non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness, and quality of life in northeast Louisiana. Founded in 2006, the Living Well Foundation serves the residents of Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Union Parishes. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.livingwellfoundation.net http://www.livingwellfoundation.net.”

Community event in Monroe, LA 71201.