Minnesota Department of Health
Injury & Violence Prevention SectionI
by Wendy Han
About MDH
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) plays a crucial role in addressing public health issues in the state. One significant problem that MDH has been working to address is fall mortality, particularly among older adults. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, and the problem is only growing as the population ages. MDH has implemented a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at preventing falls and reducing fall-related injuries and deaths, including falls prevention education, home safety assessments, and community-based fall prevention programs. MDH has also partnered with healthcare providers and insurers to improve fall risk assessments and management in clinical settings.
The MDH's work on fall mortality is an excellent example of the broader role of public health in addressing health systems problems. Falls are a complex issue that involves not only individual risk factors but also broader social and environmental determinants of health, such as the design of homes and communities. By addressing fall mortality, MDH is not only working to improve the health outcomes of older adults but also addressing broader health systems issues related to healthcare quality, access, and equity. Through its collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders, MDH is taking a comprehensive approach to fall prevention that recognizes the multifaceted nature of the problem and the need for systems-level solutions.
My Internship
In my internship, I analyzes and produce a report on fall mortality rates among adults aged 65 years and older in Minnesota from 1999-2020, using data from the CDC WONDER Online Database and the Minnesota Injury Data Access System. The report finds that falls have become the leading cause of injury mortality in Minnesota, with the rate of fall mortality doubling every five years after age 65. The age-adjusted rate of fall mortality in Minnesota increased every year until 2018 and continues to increase, with Minnesota's rate more than double the U.S. rate and fourth highest among all states in 2020. The report also notes that there are significant disparities in fall mortality rates between urban and rural areas in Minnesota, with the metro area accounting for more than twice the rate of falls deaths compared to the U.S. metro rates.
The report concludes that while the reasons for the wide range of fall mortality rates from state to state remain unclear, the age distribution of fall mortality rates mirrors that of chronic diseases and does not follow a typical age distribution pattern for most injuries. The report suggests that falls in older adults occur due to a number of factors or circumstances and an older adult's susceptibility for a fall is often attributed to more than one underlying risk factor or condition. The report emphasizes the need for further research and interventions to address the high rates of fall mortality in Minnesota's older population, particularly in the metro area, and to improve data collection and reporting processes across states.
Takeaways
One of the most important lessons is the value of collaboration and teamwork. Interns at MDH work closely with colleagues and supervisors to tackle complex public health issues. I have learned through this collaborative approach at MDH to leverage the diverse perspectives and expertise of my colleagues, which is critical for developing effective solutions. Additionally, I have gained an understanding of the importance of data-driven decision making in public health. MDH places a strong emphasis on data collection and analysis to inform their policy and program development. As an intern, I have had the opportunity to work with large datasets and use statistical analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from the data, which is a valuable skill not only in public health but also in many other fields that rely on data analysis. Working with seasoned professionals at MDH has provided me with a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in tackling complex health issues, which can shape my future plans and contribute to my professional development in numerous ways.
References
DeLaquil M., Roesler J. Falls among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in Minnesota – Data Brief, 1999-
2013. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of Health, August 2016.
McMurry M, Gillaspy T. The demographics of rural women: now and the future. Rural Minnesota
Journal 3(1):1-9; Fall 2008.
Yuhang (Wendy) Han
Hi there! My name is Wendy and I am from the beautiful city of Shenzhen, China. I’m majoring in Applied Math and Economics at Mac, with a strong passion for health analytics. I am excited to dive deeper into this field during my graduate studies, as I believe that data-driven solutions are crucial for tackling complex healthcare issues. Aside from my academic pursuits, I am a music enthusiast and love playing musical instruments. I have been playing the violin for several years and recently picked up the ukelele as well. In addition to playing music, I am also an avid dancer. I enjoy exploring different styles of dance and have taken classes in everything from ballet to hiphop. I am excited to see where my academic and personal passions take me in the future!