The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has received a $6,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to expand its Project Lifesaver Program, helping provide additional protection for Henry County residents who are at risk of wandering due to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, and other cognitive-related conditions.
Project Lifesaver is a proactive public safety program that helps law enforcement quickly locate individuals who have wandered from home. Participants voluntarily wear a small wrist or ankle transmitter that emits a unique radio frequency signal. If a participant becomes lost, specially trained deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office use specialized tracking equipment to quickly locate the individual and return them safely to their loved ones.
Wandering is one of the most significant safety concerns for individuals living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. A person who wanders can quickly become disoriented, placing them at increased risk of injury or death. Project Lifesaver has proven to dramatically reduce search times, often locating missing individuals in minutes rather than the hours or days required during traditional search efforts.
“The Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program is a valuable public safety tool for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “Every family caregiver’s number one priority is keeping their loved one safe. We’re pleased to provide the Henry County Sheriff’s Office with additional resources to help protect individuals living with dementia.”
Sheriff Wayne Davis expressed his appreciation for the grant and the impact it will have on local families.
“This grant allows us to expand a program that has the potential to save lives,” said Sheriff Davis. “Project Lifesaver provides peace of mind to caregivers while giving our deputies the tools they need to quickly locate vulnerable individuals before a situation becomes tragic. We are grateful to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for their partnership and investment in the safety of Henry County residents.”
The grant funding will be used to purchase additional transmitters, batteries, replacement wristbands, and tracking equipment, allowing the Sheriff’s Office to expand the program and serve additional families throughout Henry County.
“The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting every member of our community, especially those who are most vulnerable,” Sheriff Davis added. “Programs like Project Lifesaver demonstrate how partnerships and proactive policing can make a real difference in the lives of the citizens we serve.”
Families interested in learning more about the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver Program or enrolling a loved one are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 276-656-4200.
