The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has just awarded a $5,000 grant to the Branson Police Department to expand its Project Lifesaver program to include visitors and tourists.
Project Lifesaver involves wearable bracelet trackers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or anyone who tends to wander away. In the event that someone goes missing, this tracking technology greatly enhances the Department’s ability to quickly locate the person and return them to safety. The AFA grant allows Branson Police to expand “Project Lifesaver” to visitors and tourists as well. Families visiting Branson can now contact the Branson Police to check in and out of the program when they arrive and depart Branson.
Project Lifesaver is a search and rescue program and is designed specifically for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of “wandering.” This could be individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, children with autism, or any other cognitive condition.
“The Branson Police Department performs a critical service in protecting the community, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president, and CEO of AFA. “The Project Lifesaver program is a vital resource that provides families with the peace of mind knowing that there is a means to help locate and protect their loved ones, should they go missing. AFA is proud to support the expansion of this important project and help make a difference for the families living with Alzheimer’s.”
The funding was awarded through AFA’s Bi-annual Grant Program, which provides grants to non-profit AFA member organizations for programs and services that help further AFA’s mission of delivering optimal care and services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and to their families and caregivers.
“We are grateful to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for the consideration and award of this grant which will make the visitors to our community safer,” said Branson Police Lieutenant Sean Barnwell. “I know of no other program in the nation like what we are attempting to achieve with the funding they have awarded,” Barnwell said.
This expansion of Project Lifesaver is a just a small part of what the Branson Police Department is actively doing to be a safe and inclusive place for families and people who have special needs, in order to keep the people who live, work and play in Branson safe.
AFA is able to provide this critical support as a result of the generosity of individual contributions, grants, sponsorships and AFA development activities. To help support these initiatives, visit www.alzfdn.org/donate/
To read more about Branson’s “Project Lifesaver” and to learn how you can sign up for the program and trackers, visit https://www.bransonmo.gov/628/Special-Programs#LIFESAVER