PROJECT LIFESAVER – “Bringing Loved Ones Home”
The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Washington County District Attorney's Office have joined together in a partnership with Project Lifesaver International, whose primary mission is to provide a timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for children and adults who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism and other cognitive related conditions and disorders. Project Lifesaver is an internationally recognized program aimed at bridging the gap for at-risk populations and public safety agencies. Due to this collaboration, the Project Lifesaver Program is now available to the citizens of Washington County.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has deputies who are trained in the operation, maintenance and instruction of the Project Lifesaver Program.
How it works:
- Potential clients are interviewed and oriented to the PLS Program.
- Those who qualify are fitted with a wrist or ankle recovery transponder that transmits an individualized tracking signal.
- If the enrolled individual goes missing, the caregiver notifies 911, and trained deputies/emergency personnel respond to the wanderer’s area and use the clients individualized frequency to locate the location of the individual.
Eligibility:
- Client must be a resident of Washington County
- Client has been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition such as: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other related cognitive disorders and have the potential to wander.
- Must be currently cared for in a home setting
- Does not operate a motor vehicle
How can I enroll?
If you are a caregiver for someone you think is eligible to enroll in this program, or would like more information about Project Lifesaver, please contact the Sheriff's department at 724-228-6840 or fill out the referral form.
