Dubois County Health Department Offers Free CDC STEADI Fall Prevention Program

At a time when falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in Dubois County, the Dubois County Health Department announced in early March 2026 that it will offer the CDC-developed STEADI fall-prevention initiative next year, providing free one-time consultations for older adults and caregivers across the county.

The county’s online materials describe STEADI this way: "STEADI is a one-time consult with a trained healthcare professional. The consultation includes a free fall risk screening, identification of habits that increase falls, identification of fall hazards in the home, and interventions to help decrease the risk of falls." That description, released on the county Facebook event cover and the health department website, frames STEADI as a single-session screening and assessment that can also result in referrals or targeted interventions.

Shawn Werner, Administrative Director of the Dubois County Health Department, emphasized the program’s goals in published remarks: "Preventing falls is essential for maintaining health, independence, and quality of life among our older residents," Werner said. "We are excited to bring STEADI to our community as part of our ongoing efforts to support safe, active, and healthy aging."

Participation in STEADI is free and, according to local coverage, open to eligible Dubois County residents. The Herald noted the program is designed to provide education, screenings and resources aimed at preventing falls among residents ages 65 and older. For questions or to schedule a consultation, please contact Mary Peters at mrpeters@duboiscountyin.org or call 812-481-7050.

The health department is promoting STEADI alongside other fall-prevention offerings. In partnership with Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging, the county is hosting the nationally recognized A Matter of Balance course. WJTS reported that the free 8-week A Matter of Balance class ran September 9 through October 28, 2025, meeting Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time at the Dubois County Health Department, 1187 South Saint Charles Street, Jasper, Indiana, with registration required by September 8, 2025. That program is separate from STEADI but carries similar aims of reducing fall risk through group education and exercises.

Local and national data underline the urgency: the county’s event copy asks, "Did you know that falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in Dubois County?" and notes that "every year, one in four older Americans experiences a fall." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four older Americans falls each year, often resulting in serious injury and costly medical care.

The county’s announcement lists the services and contact information but does not specify an exact start date for STEADI consultations in 2026 or how many consultations the health department will offer weekly or monthly. Health officials have framed the program as a way to reduce fall-related emergency visits and help residents maintain independence as they age, and county staff including Mary Peters remain the point of contact for scheduling and further logistical details.