Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Senate Recognizes Injuries Caused by Falls, Costs to Health Care System On September 12 the Senate passed S Res 553, designating September 22, the first day of fall, as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD). This year marks the 5th anniversary of the national effort to protect older adults from falls. FPAD is spearheaded by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). This year's theme, Standing Together to Prevent Falls, seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population. Forty-six states will participate in FPAD this year, joining more than 70 national organizations, including APTA, professional associations, and federal agencies that make up the Falls Free© Initiative. Find ideas for observing FPAD and your State Falls Prevention Coalition on NCOA's website. Sen Herb Kohl (D-WI) led the effort to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults. Sens Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Bob Casey (D-PA) cosponsored the resolution.