Enzi Recognized for Work on Elder Care

The National Safety Council (NSC) recognized U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo on March 5,2002 in Washington DC for his efforts to increase the safety, health and independence of the elderly.

Presenting the plaque in appreciation for his leadership and co-sponsorship of S. 1922, the Elderly Fall Prevention Act of 2002 to Senator Enzi is Bobby Jackson (left) of the NSC Washington DC office.

S. 1922 would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide resources for education, research and demonstration projects aimed at reducing the risk of elder falls, identifying vulnerable populations and preventing repeat falls.

"Senator Enzi is sensitive to what is important to senior citizens, " said David Sneed, Executive Director of the Wyoming-Montana Safety Council, a chapter of the National Safety Council, who was on hand at the award presentation in Washington DC.

In Montana, 72 people aged 60 and over died as a result of an unintentional falls during 1999. In Wyoming there were 20. Nationally, more than 16,000 people killed in unintentional falls the same year.

"Elder falls should be a prevention priority. It is important for seniors and their families that ways to avert elder falls be researched and implemented." said Enzi. "This is a prime problem that everyone needs to do more to address. Many families, including my own, have had to cope with the serious consequences of a loved one's injuries. I'm sure if we know more things can be done, they will be done. This is an instance where we will not only save agony but dollars as well."

Enzi, a ranking member of the Employment, Safety and Training Subcommittee of the Senate Health, Education , Labor and Pensions Committee, said fall-related medical expenses for persons aged 65 and older cost more than $20 billion each year and is expected to rise to nearly $32 billion by 2020.

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