03/16/2023
Project Lifesaver Fundraising for Ayer
WHAT IS PROJECT LIFESAVER?
Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The organization was founded in 1999 in Chesapeake, Virginia. The necessity of this program was determined through the correlation between cognitive conditions and the act of wandering. With the dramatic increase of cognitive conditions since the inception of the organization, the program has grown from a localized program to a program recognized internationally as a proven and effective method of “bringing loved one’s home.”
WHY DOES AYER NEED PROJECT LIVESAVER?
The number of community members both young and old with cognitive impairments such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia is rising. Wandering or Elopement is a significant risk for these community members. Nearly 50% of children with Autism has attempted to wander or run away at least once. Six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, many do so repeatedly. Frequently, these incidents can result in serious injury or death. Adding another significant challenge for first responders is that the recovered person may not be able to communicate where they live or even their name.
HOW DOES THE PROJECT LIFESAVER PROGRAM WORK?
The Project Lifesaver Program is run at a municipality level by public safety agencies. By donating to this fundraising campaign, Ayer Police Department will be equipped them with the necessary technologies and provided training to 6 officers and 1 Sergeant. The training includes the use of the equipment, the implementation of the strategic methods specifically designed for the program, and community policing courses that provide a basic understanding of cognitive conditions to better comprehend the behaviors of an individual with said condition. Also included during training is the use of the PLS Database, which is a useful resource provided to member agencies at no cost. Completion of training is required for certification. Once an agency has become certified, they may begin acquiring clients for their local program.
Project Lifesaver System is a proven radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized frequency signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. The first responders will then use the client’s individualized frequency to locate the position of the individual. The knowledge given from the community policing courses is best applied in this situation because the first responders will know how to best approach the client once found and allow them to be brought back to safety.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
The total start-up cost of the program is $16,101 this includes:
Equipment Cost: $4,500
Extra Receiver: $1,500
Extra Transmitter: $325
Replacement Battery Yearly cost: $100 per unit (transmitter)
Total Future Cost: $800 and replacements as needed
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
As of March 15, 2022 we have been able to raise $8,160 leaving a remaining goal of $7,941
You can donate by going to the Ayer Project Lifesaver GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/9a7f5aca
Or you can send a check payable to the Town of Ayer (please put Project Lifesaver on the memo line) to:
Town of Ayer
Attn: Project Lifesaver- Town Manager
1 Main St
Ayer, MA 01432
You can also help us spread the word by sharing our page Project Lifesaver Ayer, MA
Or sharing our GoFundMe page
Thank You
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