About Us

The Fall Prevention Coalition of San Mateo County was established in March 2003. It brings together more than 20 community partners, including healthcare providers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, senior centers, and private service providers. These organizations collaborate to serve older adults across San Mateo County by promoting fall prevention education, sharing resources, and strengthening connections among agencies with a shared commitment to healthy aging.

Falls are a significant and growing public health concern for older adults. Nationally, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among adults age 65 and older. Each year, approximately 1 in 4 older adults experiences a fall, and about 37% of those falls result in an injury requiring medical treatment or restricted activity.

In San Mateo County, the need for prevention is especially important as the population continues to age. Approximately 139,800 residents, nearly 1 in 5, are age 65 and older, a proportion slightly higher than the statewide average.

In California, the impact is substantial. Falls among adults age 65 and older lead to more than 114,000 hospitalizations and over 317,000 emergency department visits annually, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention.

The mission of the Fall Prevention Coalition of San Mateo County is to support older adults in maintaining independence and quality of life within their communities by reducing preventable falls through education, outreach, and collaborative partnerships.