
All indicators across NC are reflective of our work and 1 more...
Number of Unintentional Fall-Related Deaths In North Carolina, Ages 65 and Over
Current Value
1,357
Definition
Data Description & Source
NC DHHS Injury and Violence Prevention Branch
The Injury and Violence Prevention Branch Surveillance Unit maintains statewide injury and violence related surveillance by providing emergency department, hospital discharge, mortality, and survey data to monitor the incidence of and risk factors for fatal and nonfatal injury.
As our population ages, fall injuries in North Carolina are an increasingly serious public health issue. In every year from 1999 to 2019, falls are the number one cause of injury death for individuals 65 and older. From 2010-2019, the death rate from falls has increased 27.6 percent in the 65 and older population. Rates of non-fatal fall injuries are also on the rise, with a 226.7% increase in fall-related hospitalizations and a 25.8% increase in ED visit rates among the 65 and older population (2010-2019).
Specific fall-related unintentional death data for 2020 in North Carolina's population of adults 65 years and older may be found here:
Death Data: Leading Causes of Injury Death by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity
Data Description
Fall-related mortality rates vary by county. See below for a map of the rates in counties across the state.