WSSU’s PT and OT students lead ‘Falls-Free Expo’ to keep community safe on its feet
Winston-Salem State University’s commitment to community health was on full display as students and faculty from the Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy joined partners for the second annual Falls-Free Expo, held as part of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, at the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness.
The expo, organized in collaboration with the Piedmont Triad Area Agency on Aging and its Fall Prevention Coalition, drew 177 participants, a notable increase from last year’s inaugural event. Attendees took part in fall-risk screenings, demonstrations of adaptive equipment, and educational sessions designed to help older adults stay active, independent and safe at home.
Other partners included AARP and Atrium Health, who joined forces with WSSU to raise awareness about fall risks, the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Occupational and physical therapy practitioners play a critical role in helping older adults identify and address fall risks,” said Dr. Megan Edwards Collins, program chair and professor of the Occupational Therapy Department at WSSU. “Simple interventions, such as exercise programs that build strength and flexibility, or home modifications like removing throw rugs and adding grab bars, can make all the difference in helping people maintain their independence.”
WSSU students showcased adaptive tools such as reachers, long-handled shoehorns, elastic shoelaces and “handy bars” that make it easier to get in and out of vehicles.
“These devices can assist senior citizens in completing their daily activities, such as dressing and bathing, without having to bend over as much, and help keep them steady if they have deceased balance, flexibility or strength,” Collins said.
Attendees were excited to learn about fall-prevention resources and eager to share what they learned with family and friends,” she said.
In total, 27 PT students, one neuro resident, one PT clinician volunteer from Novant, and four PT faculty participated, alongside three OT faculty and seven OT students, showcasing WSSU’s collaborative approach to experiential learning and community service.
Support for the event also came from the American Physical Therapy Association–North Carolina Chapter, which awarded a $500 grant to help fund giveaways that promote safety and mobility, said Dr. Sara Migliarese, professor and assistant chair of the PT Department. Community members received night lights, flashlights, adjustable ankle weights and grippy socks – all simple but powerful tools to help prevent falls in the home.
For WSSU, participation in the Falls-Free Expo underscores the university’s enduring mission to serve beyond the classroom. “Our students don’t just study health and wellness, they practice it in the community,” Collins said. “Events like this help reduce risks, improve quality of life and demonstrate the real-world impact of our programs.”
The PT and OT Departments also offer fall-prevention screenings and classes throughout the year.
For more information, email edwardsm@wssu.edu or migliaresesj@wssu.edu.
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