Port Saint Lucie, FL (PRWEB) October 14, 2015
Since the end of 2010 when a federal Alzheimer’s grant went into effect under the Missing Alzheimer’s Patient Assistance program the Project Lifesaver program has trained and equipped 232 new law enforcement and first responder agencies across the United States.
"Over the years the federal Alzheimer’s grant has allowed Project Lifesaver to bring on new agencies that otherwise would not have been in a position to financially start a search and rescue program for Alzheimer’s Patient who are prone to wandering. We truly are grateful for this grant and the impact it has had on helping to safely bring loved ones home," said CEO/Founder, Gene Saunders of Project Lifesaver International.
The impact of the federal Alzheimer's grant “Missing Alzheimer’s Patient Assistance Program” on Alzheimer’s patients and their families can be seen in the following statistics: since February of 2010 the grant program was implemented in 232 communities. In those communities there have been 30 Alzheimer's and dementia rescues. Through the Missing Alzheimer's Patient Assistance program there were 2,260 transmitters provided to agencies that enroll clients in the program with an additional 518 transmitters included in new agency startup kits.
The far reaching impact of training those grant agencies extended to those agencies aiding in 33 additional rescues of individuals with other cognitive condition that wandered including; Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Brain injury, Conversion Disorder, Mentally challenged, Klinefelter syndrome, and stroke recovery.
About Project Lifesaver:
Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C) (3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, other first responders and caregivers with equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down syndrome. To date Project Lifesaver agencies have conducted nearly 4,000 successful rescues. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations. Nationwide there are over 1,400 Project Lifesaver agencies throughout 48 states, six provinces in Canada, and Australia.
Project Lifesaver is also a subject matter expert and adviser on the wandering issue for:
- Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s disease (LEAD)
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA)
- National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
- International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
For more information or to learn more about Project Lifesaver visit: http://www.projectlifesaver.org or contact:
Joseph Salenetri
Assistant Chief, Special Operations
Project Lifesaver International
josephsalenetri(at)hotmail(dot)com
609-672-1441
or
Elizabeth Kappes
Public Relations Coordinator-Special Projects
Project Lifesaver International
ekappes(at)projectlifesaver(dot)org
757-531-5105