HJAR Jul/Aug 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JUL / AUG 2026 43 Jennifer Dillaha, MD Director Arkansas Department of Health balance, and flexibility can significantly re- duce fall risk while also improving overall health and confidence. Programs such as yoga, tai chi, balance training, and strength- building exercises help older adults main- tain stability and mobility. TheADH’s Injury and Violence Prevention Section works with partners across the state to promote evidence-based fall prevention programs, including a strong partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging. Together, these efforts help connect older adults with resources and programs that improve balance, build strength, and reduce the fear of falling. One evidence-based program promoted by the ADH is tai chi, a gentle form of exer- cise often described as meditation through movement. Tai chi focuses on slow, con- trolled movements that improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and overall physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that tai chi can help reduce the risk of falls among older adults. Another program supported throughADH initiatives isAMatter of Balance, which is an evidence-based program designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling and increase their activity levels. Fear of fall- ing can sometimes lead older adults to limit their physical activity, which may actually increase their risk of falls. A Matter of Bal- ance helps participants build confidence and learn practical strategies to safely remain active. The program is typically conducted through eight two-hour sessions. The pro- gram typically consists of eight two-hour sessions and teaches participants exercis- es to improve coordination, strength, and balance. Participants also learn to identify physical risk factors, address misconcep- tions about falls, andmake changes at home to reduce fall risk. Healthcare professionals can encourage patients to make simple changes at home to reduce fall risk. Removing loose rugs, improving lighting, installing grab bars in bathrooms, wearing proper footwear, and keeping walkways clear can make a signifi- cant difference. Providers can also review medications that may affect balance or cause dizziness and encourage regular eye exams and hear- ing checks. Working Together to Prevent Injuries While falls areArkansas’leading cause of injury-related hospitalization, they are only one part of a larger injury-prevention chal- lenge. The Arkansas Department of Health works to address a range of preventable in- juries through education, prevention pro- grams, partnerships, and provider training. The ADH Substance Misuse and Injury Prevention Branch consists of three sections: Injury and Violence Prevention, Substance Misuse Education and Prevention, and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Together, these sections support programs and training that help healthcare providers and communities better prevent injuries and save lives. ADH offers several educational and prevention trainings, including: • ADH Overdose Prevention and Education (ADHOPE); • Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training; • Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR); and • Prescription DrugMonitoring Program provider education sessions. ADH violence prevention programs include: • Dating Matters; • Safe Dates; • Shifting Boundaries; and • Love Is Not Abuse. ADH gathers injury hospitalization data through the state’s hospital discharge data system. This information helps identify injury trends, populations at greatest risk, and opportunities for prevention. When we understand the causes of the most serious injuries, we can all work together to reduce risks and improve health outcomes for Arkansans. And by “we” I mean all of us — healthcare providers, public health program staff, community partners, and families. Small preventive actions today can help save lives, reduce hospitalizations, and help Arkansans remain healthy and independent for years to come. To learnmore about injury prevention programs and resources, contact the Substance Misuse and Injury Prevention Branch at adh.injuryprevention@arkansas. gov or 501-683-0707 or visit the ADH website at: healthy.arkansas.gov n REFERENCES Arkansas Injury Hospitalizations Statistics 2016–2023, Arkansas Department of Health, 2024, https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/ uploads/Injury-Hospitalizations-Statistics-2016- 2023.pdf. Fuzhong Li et al., “Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Tai Ji Quan Intervention vs. a Multimodal Exercise Intervention to Prevent Falls Among Older Adults at High Risk of Falling: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” JAMA Internal Medicine 178, no. 10 (2018): 1301–10, https://doi.org/10.1001/ jamainternmed.2018.3915.