Brain Injury Awareness Month: How falls can affect families in Gadsden and Jackson Counties

Brain Injury Awareness Month shines a light on prevention—from protecting older adults to recognizing concussion risks in youth sports.

Patricia Smith

The ladder seemed steady. The step looked solid. The porch light was dim, but it had always been that way…

A grandparent carries groceries up the front steps, careful but distracted. On a Friday night, stadium lights shine over packed bleachers as a high school athlete goes down hard during a tackle, shaking off a mid-air collision that could have caused serious injury. In communities like those across Gadsden and Jackson counties, fall risks happen in everyday situations—on porches, stairs, playgrounds, or sports fields. What may seem like a simple slip can quickly turn into a life-changing injury.

During Brain Injury Awareness Month, health experts are drawing attention to the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States: falls. From toddlers exploring their surroundings to student athletes on the playing field and elderly navigating their homes, falls are responsible for thousands of serious injuries every year.

Falls Across the Lifespan – For young children, curiosity and climbing can quickly turn dangerous. In 2025, a toddler in Maryland survived a fall from a high-rise apartment balcony after landing in bushes below the building. In Florida, a one-year-old boy fell from a third-story apartment window after pushing against a window screen and survived after landing on grass below. Safety experts emphasize that window screens are designed to keep insects out—not prevent falls. Playgrounds and recreational spaces also present risks when children fall from equipment or elevated surfaces.

Student athletes face another set of risks. High school sports are woven into local culture across North Florida, from football games in Havana and Quincy to rivalries in Sneads and Marianna. Falls and collisions during activities such as football, soccer, basketball, and baseball can lead to concussions—a form of traumatic brain injury. Even a single blow to the head can disrupt normal brain function, which is why schools follow strict concussion protocols before athletes return to play. Coaches and trainers stress the importance of recognizing symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or headaches after a fall or impact.

For older adults, many falls happen in familiar places: uneven steps, loose rugs, poorly lit hallways, and slippery porches. Falls are particularly dangerous for seniors because aging bodies are more vulnerable to injury. Hip fractures, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries can lead to long hospital stays, loss of independence, and in some cases, permanent cognitive changes.

“I called 911 because my husband fell on a concrete floor while trying to put his shoes on. He hit his knee and head during the fall,” an elderly wife explained. “The first responders spent a good amount of time checking his reflexes. A visible swollen bruise above his left eye was proof of the fall, but they did not think he needed to go to the hospital.” The husband’s accidental fall happened in the evening and his wife called the doctor’s office the next day for a follow-up.

The hidden danger: unreported falls

Health experts say another hidden danger is that many falls are never reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of older adults who fall do not tell their healthcare provider. Some dismiss the fall as minor, fear losing their independence, or are embarrassed. Others may hesitate to seek care because of medical costs or distance to a hospital. Yet even a seemingly minor fall can signal underlying problems—balance issues, medication side effects, or unsafe home conditions—that, if unaddressed, increase the likelihood of future, potentially more serious falls. ( cdc.gov )

Florida and regional data

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Floridians age 65 and older. In 2024 alone, more than 4,000 older adults in Florida died as a result of falls. Traumatic brain injuries are involved in a significant portion of these serious injuries. Women are more likely to experience non-fatal falls, while men are more likely to die as a result of fall-related injuries. ( floridahealth.gov )

Across North Florida, many fall-related injuries are treated at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, the region’s only Level II trauma center. In 2022, the hospital treated more than 2,000 patients experiencing traumatic injuries, including falls that resulted in fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Trauma specialists report that falls among older adults make up a significant share of admissions, underscoring the importance of prevention and timely medical care for residents of Gadsden, Jackson, and surrounding counties.

Prevention starts at home

Despite these risks, many fall-related injuries are preventable. Health experts recommend: Removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs or clutter, installing and using handrails on stairs, improving lighting in hallways and stairways, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and staying physically active to maintain strength, balance, and coordination.

For families caring for both young children and aging parents, fall prevention can become a conversation that spans generations. Simple steps can reduce the risk for everyone in the household—from toddlers climbing furniture to grandparents navigating steps at home.

Whether it happens on a playground, a football field, or a front porch, a single fall can change a life in seconds. Awareness, prevention, and timely medical care are key to reducing the impact of traumatic brain injuries in Gadsden and Jackson counties. During Brain Injury Awareness Month, taking action now can protect loved ones and help ensure that the next slip or stumble does not become a lifelong injury.

Brain Injury Awareness Month: How falls can affect families in Gadsden and Jackson Counties

Mr. Karl Dennis Harris

Gadsden County Extension Column

Gadsden County Extension Column

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Brain Injury Awareness Month: How falls can affect families in Gadsden and Jackson Counties

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Mr. Karl Dennis Harris

Gadsden County Extension Column

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