HFPA Leaders Share Insights at National "On Aging" 2026 Conference

In April 2026, leaders from the Hawai‘i Falls Prevention Alliance (HFPA) traveled to Atlanta to represent the islands at the American Society on Aging’s (ASA) "On Aging" Conference. 

Gary Simon (Chair), Sarah Yuan (Vice‑Chair), Johnny Yago (Membership Subcommittee), Paul Strauss (Membership Subcommittee), and Michiyo Tomioka (Secretary) shared Hawai‘i’s journey in rebuilding a strong, representative, and member‑driven statewide coalition.

During their roundtable session, the team highlighted how falls prevention extends beyond a public health issue, serving as a foundation for strengthening community connection and shared purpose. The team showcased HFPA’s successful re‑establishment through intentional leadership, collaborative planning, and member‑driven engagement. They discussed strategies for forming a robust steering committee and active subcommittees, fostering cross‑sector participation, and navigating early challenges in coalition development.

By sharing our successes and hurdles, HFPA offered a scalable model for communities nationwide seeking to cultivate representative, community-aligned coalitions. We are honored to contribute Hawai‘i’s experience to the national conversation and return home inspired to continue our work, knowing our local efforts are helping shape falls prevention strategies across the country.