Background: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional fatal and nonfatal injury among older adults in the U.S. Although evidence-based falls prevention programs are available, they are often underutilized. Through a community-engaged research approach, we developed referral networks of community organizations to link older adults to evidence-based programs.

Methods: Building upon a previous study that showed the efficacy of a fire and falls prevention program in improving older adults’ prevention behaviors, we convened a state-level Stakeholder Advisory Board. Through six community engagement steps, two local communities and partners were identified that subsequently worked with the research team to develop referral infrastructures within their own communities. Data are collected from participating organizations and older participants to evaluate the referral network’s reach, adoption, implementation process, maintenance, and collaboration.

Results: Established networks include state and county health departments, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), fire departments, county social services, and home-based providers (e.g., home health, nutrition, meal delivery, home maker). Currently, home-based service providers screen older adults for falls risk, and refer those at risk to fire departments that deliver a fire and fall prevention program. Individuals completing the fire department program are then connected to local AAAs to access evidence-based falls prevention programs. Preliminary data shows high-perceived benefits and utility of the infrastructure and documented difficulty with organizations continued participation in the infrastructure.

Conclusion: Community-engaged approaches to develop referral infrastructures were highly accepted and appreciated with high levels of interest and participation among organizations. Challenges exist on long-term maintenance of the network.