PNWU Hosts Fall Risk and Balance Screening
Recently, students and faculty from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) joined forces with Washington State University nursing and pharmacy students to host a free Fall Risk and Balance Screening for older adults in the Yakima community.
The interprofessional event—organized in recognition of Fall Prevention Month, was led by Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Dean of PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy, and Dr. Amy Jennings, Assistant Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy. Together, they guided students through a hands-on learning experience centered around service, teamwork, and preventive care.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and for many, the fear of falling can limit independence. The screening provided community members with an opportunity to better understand their personal risk factors while learning practical strategies to stay active and safe.
“Many in our community have either experienced a fall or live with the fear of falling,” said Dr. Trueblood. “This screening gave them a chance to learn more about their risks and how to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.”
Participants received individualized recommendations—from home safety tips and balance exercises to medication reviews and fall-prevention education—while students gained valuable real-world experience applying their clinical knowledge.
Dr. Jennings emphasized the power of collaboration.
“Every healthcare practitioner plays a role in fall prevention,” she said. “Working together as a team—PT, OT, nursing, and pharmacy—mirrors real-life practice and helps students develop teamwork skills they’ll use throughout their careers.”
For Doctor of Physical Therapy students José Nato Palma and Ramón Alvarez (PNWU SOPT Class of 2026), the experience reinforced both their training and their sense of purpose.
“It was a valuable, rewarding experience that allowed me to practice assessment skills and connect with the community,” said Student Doctor Nato Palma, adding that the event underscored the importance of patient education in promoting safety and independence for older adults.
“This class was an excellent opportunity to give back,” added Student Dr. Alvarez.
“Utilizing learned skills in a practical setting is the best way to learn and retain them—and these interactions are part of why I chose physical therapy.”
Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the event as “wonderful,” “educational,” and “a great reminder that support is out there.”
“This event truly highlights the value of bringing students and community members together,” said Dr. Trueblood, adding that they hope to make the event an ongoing tradition. “Participants felt supported, and students saw firsthand how their clinical knowledge translates into improved lives.”
