SNAP Home Repair Team Assists Spokane Valley Fire Department
by Dean Henrich
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — In an effort to combat the high number of fall-related injuries among residents, the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) has partnered with SNAP to strengthen their Enhanced Safety Visit Program. Thanks to a recent $18,000 grant from State Farm, the program will strive to reduce the occurrence of falls within the community.
“Over the past several years, the number one 9-1-1 call we respond to is for falls. Older adult falls are preventable and one of the best ways to reduce the risks associated with falls is by modifying the home environment, making it safer with help from our community partners,” said SVFD Fire Marshal Brett Anderson.
To address the issue SVFD has enlisted the services of SNAP’s Essential Home Repair team to install ADA grab bars in the homes of disabled residents and older adults living in the Spokane Valley Fire District. Home Repair Program Manager Kelly Dawn explained that SNAP first joined forces with SVFD’s grab bar initiative in August 2022.
“They asked if we wanted to partner up with them, and of course I said yes,” Dawn recalled. “It’s a partnership that’s been going on for almost a year.”
At-risk residents will be identified during 9-1-1 calls, referrals through C.A.R.E.S. (Fire Community Assistance Response Team), and residents who register via phone or online at https://www.spokanevalleyfire.com
Dawn emphasized that the decision on where to place the grab bars is left to the client’s discretion.
“We will put them wherever they ask us to put them,” She explained. “Wherever a client feels it is most important for them, we will install them.”
SVFD states that the success of the program is made possible through the collaboration of various community partners, including State Farm, SNAP, The Isaac Foundation, ALTCEW, CLC, and MultiCare Valley and Deaconess Hospitals, as acknowledged by SVFD.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that older adults, aged 65 and above, experience 36 million falls annually nationwide. Shockingly, one out of every five falls leads to serious injuries. Their data indicates that an older adult falls every second, with many falls occurring in the bedroom when people are attempting to get in and out of bed.
Supporting our neighbors in need through SNAP’s over 30 programs would not be possible without the generosity of our community. If you would like to contribute to our efforts considering making a donation by clicking on the button provided below. Thank you!