Senior Home Safety Visit Program Receives 2020 Achievement Award
The African American Health Program (AAHP) and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS) were recently awarded a 2020 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). This prestigious award recognizes the success of the Senior Home Safety Visit Program and acknowledges the hard work of AAHP and MCFRS in helping African American seniors in Montgomery County prevent injury and death in their homes.
The Senior Home Safety Visit Program addresses the increased risk of dying in a fire that African Americans face compared to the general population. In September 2019, the Home Safety Check initiative engaged 41 African American households, conducted hour-long home visits that included health screenings administered by AAHP and fire and injury prevention evaluations administered by MCFRS. Health screenings included blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, and other measures. The fire safety evaluation included checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, developing an individualized fire escape plan, and providing a File of Life packet that was completed during the visit.
NACo applauded the Senior Home Safety Visit Program as an innovative model to combat health and fire safety disparities in African American and other under-served populations.
The African American Health Program is funded and administered by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and implemented by McFarland & Associates, Inc.