About the NVFPC
On this page you will find our Mission and Purpose, our Code of Ethics, and Who We Are.
Learn more about the NVFPC by reading the following articles:
View the
list of Board Members.
Mission and Purpose
Our primary focus is to improve on the existing resources of the public practitioners at the state level, address the need for additional intervention services, take visible positions on proposed legislation impacting our elders, identify and promote all services that promote long range planning for positive change and quality of life.
Our Code of Ethics
- I will accurately identify myself as a member of the NVFPC at all events and state functions.
- I will recognize and honor the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own. I understand that violating this standard may leave me subject to legal remedy by a third party which the NVFPC will not incur legal expenses over.
- I will conduct and report research with competence, honesty, and within recognized scientific standards and applicable subject guidelines. My research will be carried out with the necessary consent and approval of those involved, and with an approach that will protect participants and the coalition from any potential harm.
- I will only use coalition’s member contact information (e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc.) in the manner and to the extent authorized by the NVFPC.
- I will conduct myself in accordance with this Code of Ethics in all activities sponsored by the NVFPC.
- I will familiarize myself with the CDC’s “Preventing Falls” Program so as to not be misleading in my advocacy of the fall prevention program as it relates to the coalition.
As a member of the NVFPC, I acknowledge and agree to honor the prior ethical and legal obligations to members, sponsors, colleagues, and to the public at large. I pledge to comply with this Code of Ethics, and to practice these standards with those whom I engage on behalf of the NVFPC.
Who We Are
The NVFPC is a team of seasoned professionals who are proud to be implementing the CDC's 'Preventing Falls' program into the communities of Northern VA. The CDC identified the tremendous need for community based fall prevention education. The Senate also acknowledged this need by passing the Safety for Seniors Act of 2007. This act supports fall prevention education at the community level.
We are local doctors, pharmacists, nurses, government representatives, business owners and professionals who work with senior citizens and their families every day.
We're shaping the renewal and resilience of daily life and assisting in the transitional life chapters of all seniors for healthy aging.
NVFPC is a 501(c)(3) organization and your contributions, such as donations and membership fees, may be deductible for income tax purposes. Find out how to make a donation.
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2010 Review by Tony Schaffer, Chairman
I would like to thank our members for being the critical part of this organization and supporting the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition's message of "Falls are not an inevitable part of Aging, Falls Are Preventable!" 2010 has been a busy and productive year. We have made great progress in growing the membership and gaining institutional support.
Several key highlights for 2010:
- Obtained 501c3 status
- Presented 15 seminars with 400+ attendees
- Membership has passed the 55 count
- Presentations at numerous health fairs, reaching thousands
- Second printing (5000) of the Fall Prevention Handbook and resource guide was distributed throughout the area. Our 1st printing was 2,500
- Second annual ‘Summit’ hosted by Loudoun Inova Hospital with over 100 participants representing the public and private sector
- Public display of support from elected state officials and the Virginia Department of Health
- Represented in 9 counties as The Rapidan/Rapahannock health district is now on board and becoming active in their area
- The first donation made by NVFPC for fall prevention efforts distributed to a local agency
This list does not cover everything, but it is a comprehensive list of services that your group has provided to the elder industry market. The increased visibility for our members promoting fall prevention activities at the local and state level has been recognized as a unique effort not seen anywhere else in the country. Most important is that you have helped people realize they can make positive changes in their lives.
I know for a fact our message has been heard and people have made lifestyle changes based on our message.
Several large fundraisers are in the early planning stages, a meeting to discuss state fall prevention efforts will be facilitated by Virginia Department of Health in the January/February timeframe, the 3rd Fall Prevention Handbook and Resource Guide is scheduled for distribution in March/April time frame.
This is an exciting time for our organization. Make time in the New Year to attend the local meetings of the NVFPC and check the website to see how you can become involved in other efforts.
I want to thank you for your continued support and look forward to working with you in the coming year to spread our message "Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, Falls are preventable!"
Have a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Tony Schaffer, Founder & Chairman
Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition
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Area Agency on Aging Supports NVFPC
Friday, March 12, 2010
Loudoun County Area on Aging is very proud to lend our support and be a member of the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition. A primary part of our mission is to help older adults maintain and enhance quality of life. We believe the work of the NVFPC will assist in achieving our mission by facilitating prevention activities and raising awareness about the critical issue of falls and injuries which disproportionately affect older adults. This is largely a problem that can be prevented through education and awareness. We are therefore eager to join forces with NVFPC and begin the important work ahead to significantly reduce falls and injuries among alder adults in Northern Virginia.
Did you know?
The American Red Cross published the following statistics in 2008:
- On average, one of every three adults over 65 falls each year.
- Older adults who have fallen previously are 2-3 times more likely to fall again in the following year.
- The first two weeks after discharge from the hospital are a high risk time for falls; falls occur 4 times more frequently compared to three months after discharge.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published:
- Falls can be deadly. Each year thousands of older Americans fall at home. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. In 2004, falls were responsible for 14,900 deaths.
- Falls can be devastating. About one out of ten falls among older adults results in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury, that requires hospitalization. In addition to the physical and emotional pain, many people need to spend at least a year recovering in a long-term facility. Some never return to their homes.
- Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook yet easy to fix.
The Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition and the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging are working together to reduce the devastating outcomes of falls among the senior population.
Sincerely, Dr. Lynn Reid, Director, Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging
View letter (PDF).
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NVFPC's One-Year Anniversary
November 20th 2009 will be our one-year anniversary. On that day we held our first meeting with ten people in attendance. Since then we have spoken and exhibited to more than 2000 people in the Community.
We are Chartered with the state and will be a non profit by year end. We have backing from local and state level government agencies and the National Council on Aging.
Our goal is for Virginia to be recognized as a state level coalition in 2010!
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Loudoun County AAA Supports Fall Prevention Activities
MEMORANDUM
TO: Executive Directors, Area Agencies on Aging
AND: Nutrition Directors, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinators
FROM: Elaine S. Smith, MS, RD, Program Coordinator
DATE: September 15, 2009
SUBJECT: Loudoun County AAA Supports Fall Prevention Activities
The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging has been privileged to support the efforts of the newly formed non-profit, The Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition- since its inception. We have a unique partnership with this highly innovative group made up primarily of local businesses who serve elders and their caregivers in the community. The Loudoun AAA provides the meeting space and a staff person to act as liaison and facilitator for the monthly NVFPC meetings. On Tuesday September 22, 2009, our Agency will be sponsoring the NVFPC Fall Prevention Day Celebration and Kick-Off for the October 10th NVFPC Fall Prevention Summit and will be providing light refreshments.
The current economic climate challenges all to do things differently. The NOVA Fall Prevention Coalition is an excellent example of what can be done when a caring community of service providers accepts the challenge of making the wellbeing of our elders a priority!
For years, the Loudoun AAA has sponsored L-SIN, the Loudoun Senior Interest Network, via the greater Loudoun Human Services Network. In fact, the founders of the new Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition have been consistent attendees at the L-SIN meetings as well as having received much advice and support from Loudoun AAA I & A staff member, Mary Jane Barney-Butler. Another I & A staff member, Liz Huibretsge, is the co-chair of L-SIN; these meetings and activities enable all local aging service providers including non-profits, for-profits and government, to work together to meet the needs of elders in Loudoun.
In little more than 6 months the NVFPC has gone from philosophy, to concept, to shouldering the responsibility of following CDC and NCOA guidelines to become a full fledged, non-profit Fall Prevention Coalition. To quote Tony Schaffer, founder and director of the NVFPC Board, “local participation will highlight how Loudoun is leading the way for Virginia to become the next state to join the National Fall Prevention Coalition.” Lenny Recupero from the Virginia Department of Health and Lynn Beattie from NCOA are showing their support for the NVFPC by presenting at the Fall Prevention Summit in Leesburg on October 10, 2009.
Fall Prevention seminars have also been presented by members of NVFPC at Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging senior centers, with AAA staff participating there and at other facilities throughout the community. Our staff have eagerly encouraged and promoted this work and are committed to keeping the public informed about how to prevent falls and upcoming NVFPC fall prevention events.
Our Director, Dr. Lynn Reid, and other Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging staff will participate in the NVFPC Summit on October 10th as members of the NVFPC, assisting as needed. (See the attached flyer). We are providing a staffed table display with information materials, presentation of our Adult Day Centers’ video, and our agency power point will be running on the big screen along with those of the other NVFPC members. We are excited about these fall prevention education opportunities and invite you to join us!
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May 2009 Press Release
Creation of the Northern VA Fall Prevention Coalition
Educating Communities with Effective Fall Interventions from the CDC
Leesburg, VA - - - May 5, 2009 - - - The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has developed an educational program including exercise routines, home modifications, and medications review and vision awareness. In the counties of Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William local businesses including professional pharmacists, optometrists, caregivers, and other specialists serving the aging community, have formed the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition, (NVFPC). Our mission is to conduct seminars in accordance with this model, assisting in an improved quality of life by preventing falls in the community. We understand the physical impact and emotional toll that falls can have on senior individuals and their care giving families.
“The odds of a significant fall after age 65 in the United States are about one in three. Fortunately, most of these falls aren't grim. Yet, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults. We serve the local community in the education of fall prevention, ensuring a decrease in the number of fall related injuries. Our programs supplement this original program developed by the CDC, providing interactive sessions presented by leading service providers in the healthcare and aging industry”, said Becky Schaffer, owner of Schaffer Construction - Designs for Life.
“We don’t know how long we will live, but the capacity for change is a vital resilience skill. As we age, new opportunities open for us and new challenges may confront us. The continuance of your life’s contribution should not end with career retirement, personal mobility issues, or the achievement of a specific age. In this specific time of your life’s journey, let us help you or someone you love, honor themselves, celebrate their depth of wisdom, and continue to reach the full dimension of their life without falls”, said Bradley Ann Morgan of Walks Beside Coaching & Consulting.
The NVFPC has helped various independent living communities, faith based groups, and residents of each respective county with engaging evidence based seminars. Please join us at the next seminar events on May 28th, June 27th, and July 22nd, 2009. For seminar times and locations call Becky Schaffer at 703-443-1861.
About the Northern VA Fall Prevention Coalition:
NVFPC is a team of seasoned professionals shaping the renewal and resilience of daily life and assisting in the transitional life chapters of all seniors for healthy aging. The CDC identified the tremendous need for community based fall prevention education. The Senate also acknowledged this need by passing the Safety for Seniors Act of 2007. This act supports fall prevention education at the community level. NVFPC is proud to implement this program into the communities of Northern VA.
Becky Schaffer of Schaffer Construction - Designs for Life and Bradley Ann Morgan of Walks Beside Coaching & Consulting, are only two of the professional companies in the NVFPC.
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