In the early stages of Safe Saskatchewan's formation, one of the first groups I met with was the Saskatoon Falls Prevention Consortium (SFPC). I was quite taken with this diverse group of people representing a number of health care providers, the College of Nursing, Physical Therapy and Kinesiology, the CNIB, nutritionists, private practice, business and others from the community who are interested in preventing falls in older adults. The purpose of this community group is to share information, provide support to each other and to help coordinate fall prevention initiatives in the community. The Consortium has been meeting regularly since 2002 and has broadened their network of people to include representatives of other health regions in the province. Take a gander at the good work they've been doing at http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/your_health/ps_ip_falls_about.htm or visit their blog at http://fallspreventioncoalition.blogharbor.com/blog

The irony around this group and all of their accomplishments over the years, is that they are volunteers, working "off the side of their desks", without a budget. What an example to follow!!! Considering the power of influence the Consortium has demonstrated since 2002, and continues to demonstrate today, towards preventing older adult falls in Saskatoon and area (and other parts of the province), can you imagine how much better the quality of life for Saskatoon and area seniors could be if the SFPC had dedicated resources to support the good work they do?

From my perspective, the Consortium is a living example of Margaret Mead's quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."