By Laura Gasque
The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama has named University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice student Elizabeth Perry, BSN, RN, to its 2024-25 cohort. Perry is one of 20 fellows from across the health care field who will spend the next 15 months immersed in community public health projects.
Perry, who is specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, plans to implement a fall prevention program in the Titusville neighborhood based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s evidenced-based program, STEADI—Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries. The program will focus on fall prevention education, assessment for risk factors and preventive measures through the provision of appropriate assistive devices.
“This fellowship is a platform upon which to nourish my passions as a determined philanthropist,” Perry said. “Through the provision of collaborative partnerships, proactive evidence-based interventions and intentional utilization of resources, I aim to strengthen the potential of elderly individuals to maintain autonomy within their homes through the reduction of fall-related injuries.”
The title of Perry’s program is SLOWW & STEADI—Safely Overcoming the Worries of Walking & Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries. Perry was inspired to start the program in Titusville neighborhood because of the community and one of its members.
“Ada Lee Oliver is a longstanding member of this community, and I wanted to start the program here to honor her,” Perry said. “Hopefully this program will ultimately renew the spirit of those who laid the foundation of community upon which Titusville was built.”
Perry has been a registered nurse for 15 years and has impacted health care change in the public health, hospice, oncological and women’s health settings.
