From East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance
HALLSVILLE, TX – Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Police Department kick off their Project Lifesaver Program on Tuesday, October 6, during National Night Out at the Transportation Building located at 305 E Austin Street in Jefferson. This program will help police quickly locate a person who has wandered away from a caregiver.
The City of Jefferson and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has partnered together with East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance (ETAA) to bring the Marion County-Jefferson Project Lifesaver Program to Marion County. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) out of Kilgore granted the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance the funds to purchase the transmitters for the City of Jefferson and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
“The goal is to determine the location of the signal in a quick, timely manner, minimizing the risk of harm to the person with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia,” stated Marion County Sheriff, David Capps. “We are so fortunate to have a partner like the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance involved in this effort.”
In addition to granting funds for the equipment, AAA granted funds to help purchase transmitters for clients who may not be able to pay the $325 cost themselves. This will allow the agencies to provide the transmitters to families in need of the tracking device without the financial burden.
Marion County deputies, City of Jefferson officers, and Marion County Dispatch wrapped up two days of training at Harrison County Sheriff’s Offices last week.
Beth Godsey, Executive Director of the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance, said, “Project Lifesaver is a Virginia-based nonprofit that provides small transmitter wristbands that emit individualized frequencies to law enforcement and rescue agencies to track individuals with cognitive conditions that wander; a great tool to have in their toolbox.” Godsey continued, “We wanted to offer this to Marion County and Jefferson caregivers to give them a piece of mind that their loved one could be found quickly.”
How It Works: The wristband (transmitter) is worn by the client 24/7 and emits a unique, identifiable radio frequency tracking signal. If a client goes missing, the caregiver calls 9-1-1. Trained personnel will be dispatched to the area with receivers to locate the client. It is an extra layer of security. Gregg County-Longview and Harrison County-Hallsville-Marshall are also partnering with East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance to bring the program to their communities.
For additional information or to get a loved one fitted with a wristband, contact the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance at 903-230-8001.