CABOT — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 25 percent of Americans ages 65 years and older fall annually.

More than 2.8 million fall-related injuries are treated annually in emergency rooms.

“Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury,” said Kermit Bateson, corporate director of rehabilitation a Concordia Lutheran Ministries. “And the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.”

To battle statistics and create safer environments for aging adults, Concordia is offering a free fall prevention awareness program.

The program will feature health care professionals discussing topics related to fall prevention. Mobility screenings will be conducted.

“(These) are simple tests that therapists use to help predict (the) likelihood of falling,” Bateson said. “They are proven to be statistically accurate and reliable tests.”

Falls can be deadly — every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from fall injuries, according to the CDC.

They're also costly. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated for a fall in the emergency room.

“In 2015, the total cost of fall injuries was $50 billion,” Bateson said. “Medicare and Medicaid shouldered 75 percent of these costs.”

Bateson said costs are expected to rise as the aging population grows bigger.

The program will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday in the Haven I dining room, 134 Marwood Road. Anyone can attend, but those who have fallen or who have a family member who has fallen are encouraged to attend.

“Our goal as an organization is to help people age safely in place,” Bateson said. “In their home, in their apartment, with family, in our retirement communities.”

Prevention, he added, is key to accomplishing this goal.

For more information, call 724-352-4535 or visit www.concordialm.org.