Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County: Freedom from Falls

Green Bay, WI — Falls are preventable. Fall prevention programs helped the community avoid more than $888,625 in medical costs in 2024 alone. To build on that progress and promote safe, confident living, the Brown County Falls Prevention Partnership will host the 2026 Freedom from Falls Brown County event on Wednesday, September 23, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens.

The need is real. Hospitals, emergency rooms, and local EMS report an average of 33 falls a day countywide, and about half result in injury. Most of these injuries (82%) lead to an emergency room visit, costing an average of $5,921 each, while the remaining 18% require a hospital stay, averaging $62,218 each. The good news is that most falls can be prevented and this event is designed to show the community how.

The Brown County Falls Prevention Partnership brings together the ADRC of Brown County, health care providers, public safety departments, and community agencies. Together, this coalition shares data, resources, and strategies to reduce falls and save lives.

“Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older, and most can be prevented,” said Michelle Erdmann, Caregiver, Dementia & Prevention Manager at ADRC of Brown County. “This event brings our community together to share practical solutions that protect health, independence, and quality of life.”

This free community event will feature engaging speakers, practical tips, and interactive activities to help individuals and families reduce fall risks at home. Attendees can explore resource tables, participate in balance screenings, and hear from featured speakers, followed by an invitation to enjoy free garden walks.

Event Details:

  • What: 2026 Freedom from Falls Brown County
  • When: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Where: Green Bay Botanical Gardens, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
  • Cost: Free and open to the community

Expert Speakers

Attendees will hear from leading local experts across emergency medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, vision, and community health:

  • Lt. Shauna Walesh, PIO/Life Safety Educator, Green Bay Metro Fire Department
  • Courtney Quinn-Scott, PT, DPT, PhD, Assistant Professor, Bellin College
  • Michelle Strege, MS, CCC-SLP, CADDCT-CDT, Speech & Language Pathologist, Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency
  • Rachel Whitesitt, PharmD, MPH, Streu’s Pharmacy
  • Abby Ledvina, Nutrition Specialist, ADRC of Brown County
  • John Fritz, ADRC Specialist, ADRC of Brown County
  • Community members with lived experience

Contacts:

Michelle Erdmann                                     Caregiver, Dementia & Prevention ManagerADRC of Brown Countymichelle.erdmann@browncountywi.gov920-448-4333Amy StaniforthPrevention SpecialistADRC of Brown Countyamy.staniforth@browncountywi.gov920-448-4529
AboutThe Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County, is a nonprofit organization serving older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers, empowering them to live their best possible life. We offer a broad range of services from activities, events, and workshops, to assistance with the changes and challenges related to aging, disability, and family caregiving. ADRC is your source for unbiased, comprehensive information, assistance with benefits, and access to publicly funded long-term care. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

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