Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Awarded Grant to Expand its…

Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Awarded Grant to Expand its Project Lifesaver Program by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Program Helps Protect Individuals with Dementia-Related Illnesses

NEW YORK (July 8, 2021)— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded grant funding to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, in Oriskany, NY, to expand itsProject Lifesaver program, which provides safety technology to Oneida County families caring for loved ones with dementia-related illness who are prone to wandering.

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior among individuals with a dementia-related illness, as well as cognitive disorders such as autism. Someone with a dementia-related illness or cognitive condition who wanders can quickly become disoriented, unable to return to safety or not know how, or who, to call for help.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program allows caregivers to voluntarily register their relative with dementia or autism to wear a small wrist or ankle transmitter that emits an individualized tracking signal. If that person goes missing, the caregiver notifies the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, who then send officers to the wanderer’s location. Project Lifesaver technology reduces the average search and rescue time from hours, or even days, to minutes.

“The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program is a valuable public safety tool for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “Every family caregiver’s number one priority is keeping their loved one safe. We’re pleased to provide the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office with additional resources to help protect individuals living with dementia.”

“On behalf of all of the current and future clients that the Sheriff’s Office serves through our Project Lifesaver, I would like to say thank you to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for awarding the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office this significant grant funding. This money will allow us to expand this proven program to many more of our citizens at a time in their life when they need us most,” according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

The $6,000 grant will enable the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office to purchase additional equipment, including transmitter bracelets and batteries, that will allow them to serve additional families. Funding will also go towards public education effortsthroughout the community.

Families can voluntarily enroll in the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program by calling315-765-2220.Those with questions about caring for a loved one with a dementia-related illness or accessing support services can call the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.