(Press Release from Yancey County Sheriff’s Department)Yancey County Sheriff’s Office would like to share with our community a service called Project Lifesaver. The program has been in operation at Yancey County Sheriff’s Office since 2019. The main goal of Project Lifesaver is to be able to quickly and safely locate adults and children who have an inclination to wander due to an array of cognitive conditions. This program is designed to assist our specially trained team in tracking the transmitters, which participants of the program wear either on their wrist or ankle.
As America ages, incidents of wandering by elders with cognitive impairments, such as those that accompany Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, are expected to rise in the United States. Wandering by children with autism is common, dangerous and puts tremendous stress on families. If you are or know of someone who is a caregiver who has the responsibility of providing safety for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, or other disorder, then you know all too well the feeling of ‘fear’ that they could wander off and become lost.
Our process begins by identifying those individuals, through referrals or direct application, who could benefit from the services offered by Project Lifesaver. Persons, who are at risk or prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering, are fitted with a radio transmitter that is about the size of a watch and worn on the wrist or ankle.
The transmitter is not a 24 hour a day tracking device. However, the transmitter emits a signal that can be found up to a mile away with the help of special signal receiving equipment. This receiver is designed to help our trained team attempt to locate the transmitter/individual. Reducing search time can make the difference between a safe return and serious injury or even death of the individual.
At this time, the Sheriff’s Office is able to provide those individuals who qualify for the program, a transmitter at no cost, thanks to the generous donations of our community. The batteries and bands are changed every 60 days, with the cost of upkeep provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Community donations have been able to alleviate the burden on the families, and we hope to continue to offer this program at no cost.
If you are a family member, caregiver, or know of an individual that may benefit from Project Lifesaver, and are interested in applying, email Project.Lifesaver@yanceycountync.gov or call (828)682-2124 ext. 1848.
If you would like to donate to Project Lifesaver please mail to:
Yancey County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Project Lifesaver
P.O. Box 6
Burnsville, NC 28714
Project Lifesaver is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Your donation may be tax deductable.
