Vivalon will host a free four-day Falls Prevention Awareness Week starting Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 999 Third St. in San Rafael. The programming brings together local firefighters, epidemiologists, nurses and physicians at the nonprofit's Healthy Aging Campus through Friday, Sept. 25.

Most events are free and open to the public, though some activities have eligibility or registration requirements.

The week opens with "Knowledge is Balance," a community conversation on fall risks, recovery and prevention. Bria Larson, an epidemiologist with the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, will share findings from a three-year research project on falls across the county. San Rafael Fire Department Battalion Chief Jason Hatfield will offer a first-responder perspective on what happens when a fall triggers a 911 call. Jessica Lacanlale, a registered nurse at MarinHealth, will address what the hospital sees when falls lead to serious injuries.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, a panel called "Falls From the Front Line: Four Perspectives" features four local medical experts. Panelists include geriatrician Dr. Catherine Chin of Kaiser Permanente, Arlene Johnstone, director of pharmacy at MarinHealth, podiatrist Dr. Yessika Woo-Lee of MarinHealth and rehabilitation director Kyle Hoppes of MarinHealth. Kris Rebillot, director of communications at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, will moderate.

The lineup matters locally. Nearly 30 percent of Marin County's population is 60 and older, compared with 20 percent statewide, according to the county's 2026 legislative platform.

Beyond the talks, the week includes balance, strength and mobility classes. An "Oops, to Up!" fall recovery session will teach techniques for getting up safely after a fall. Residents can also sign up for fall risk assessments and gait testing with a neurologic physical therapist. A Friday "Try the Y for a Day" partnership with the Marin YMCA is available to qualifying Vivalon members.

Vivalon instructor Leela Satyendra, who teaches Tai Chi and Qi Gong at the campus, said she sees participants gain strength and confidence through the classes. One participant who initially needed to sit throughout class can now stand for an entire session, according to Vivalon's announcement.

Registration requirements vary by event; the full schedule and registration links are available on Vivalon's Falls Prevention Awareness Week page. Residents can also call (415) 456-9062 for details.

Upcoming community dates: