CHARLESTON, WV | JUNE 25, 2025

Quality Insights is one of 18 organizations being awarded funds from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) as part of the U.S Administration for Community Living (ACL) Innovation Lab to implement and test falls prevention activities in their communities.

"Falls are not just an individual issue—they’re a community issue,” said Shanen Wright, Program Director at Quality Insights. “This funding gives us the opportunity to partner with trusted community organizations in Greenbrier County, West Virginia (WV), to explore innovative ways to help older adults stay healthy, active, and independent.”

Over the two-year grant period, Quality Insights will deliver activities selected from a newly developed taxonomy for falls prevention and test whether they offer a flexible, adaptable, and relevant option to address their communities’ falls prevention needs. The activities fall into one of three categories: physical activity, home modification and assistive devices, and education and behavior change. Grantees are required to report on how they implement their activities and specific participant outcomes, in addition to participating in technical assistance opportunities and involving community members in overall planning and decision making.

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. In WV, approximately 33 out of every 100,000 older adults die from a fall each year — one of the highest rates in the nation. The need for tailored, community-centered approaches has never been greater in rural Appalachia, where barriers like transportation, stigma, and chronic conditions create persistent obstacles to safe and healthy aging.

Through this initiative, Quality Insights will implement a locally led, multi-pronged model in collaboration with the Women Interested in Staying Healthy (WISH) program and the Renick Community Center in Renick, WV. Originally launched in 2023, WISH has already demonstrated measurable health improvements among older women in Greenbrier County. Now, with support from NCOA, WISH will expand to include targeted falls prevention strategies. These will integrate biweekly strength and mobility sessions led by a certified exercise physiologist, group learning resources, cognitive engagement and emotional resilience activities, and navigation support to address barriers like food access, transportation, and healthcare. A community advisory board (CAB) composed of local leaders and participants will help guide program planning, evaluation, and sustainability.

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About Quality Insights

Quality Insights is dedicated to improving health and healthcare quality through dynamic partnerships, evidence-based practices, and a patient-first philosophy. With a track record of driving significant improvements in healthcare outcomes, Quality Insights remains at the forefront of quality innovation and healthcare transformation. Learn more at www.qualityinsights.org.