PROJECT LIFESAVER…….

PROTECTING THOSE WHO WANDER

ALZHEIMER’S

DEMENTIA

AUTISM

DOWN SYNDROME

Do you know of community members who have loved ones with Autism, Alzheimer’s, Down Syndrome, stroke, traumatic brain injury or other short term memory issues? Project Lifesaver is a program that will help find loved ones who wander off. Project Lifesaver is the most practical, affordable and successful solution for bringing loved ones home and giving peace of mind to the caregivers.

HOW DOES IT WORK? When a candidate is accepted into the program a transmitter device, about the size of a wristwatch, is attached to his wrist or ankle using a hospital ID type of band. It is worn 24/7 (waterproof) and transmits a radio pulse or chirp every second. In the event he/she can’t be located, the authorities are contacted, informed that the missing person is a Project Lifesaver client and told of his location. With this information the agency can respond and find him more quickly using tracking radio receivers. The range on the transmitters is about one mile and about seven miles from the air.

WHERE IS IT AVAILABLE? New Brighton Public Safety administers this system in New Brighton. In Minnesota the following counties have implemented it: Cook and Lake in the arrowhead region, Morrison (Little Falls); Kandiyohi (Wilmar); and Olmsted (Rochester).

Last June a 25 year old autistic male from Shorview was missing from a special needs camp near Grantsburg, Wisconsin. The search cost $300,000. If a resident in New Brighton is signed up, wanders and wearing his braclet, that person would likely be found in 30 minutes. There have been over 1700 searches using Project Lifesaver in North America in the past ten years. All missing persons have been found alive.

The City of New Brighton’s Department of Public Safety will provide local answers and information. Contact the Project Lifesaver Coordinator at 651-288-4100.

BE READY
A Disaster Preparedness Program
(Click here for information)

IIn 2009 the Health and Wellness team continued to work toward our mission to provide resources to promote wellness and help people cope with illness.

v Provided 1:1 heath screening/counseling during monthly blood pressure checks

v Provided 1:1 support to ill church members (both on site and via home visits and phone calls)

v Conducted CPR training for 14 staff members

v Planned the annual flu shot clinic-(which had to be canceled due to low supply)

v Collaborated with the Disaster Preparedness committee for “Be Ready Sunday” in September including:

- Conducted and critiqued Sunday morning fire drill

- Conduct Sunday School children’s Safety Scavenger Hunt

- Developed and distributed brochures

- Developed and posted Emergency Procedure flip charts throughout the church

v Presented Disaster Preparedness information to staff and ushers and community groups

v Staffed a booth at the annual ministry fair

v Provided first aid during the Annual Block Party

v Restocked First aid kits throughout the church and created a first aid care kit (bucket/blanket/gloves to use if someone becomes ill, stored in the ushers cupboard)

v Submitted grant requests for disaster preparedness supplies and 2 new wheel chairs

v Purchased 2 wheel chairs which are located at the west and north entrances

v Attended local workshops to assist with Health and Wellness programming

- Safety for Seniors

- Developing a Senior Ministry Program

- Leaf

v Planned for January 2010 Adult Forum series called “To Everything There is a Season: the Aging, Illness, and Dying Experience which will feature several CTK members  

Check out the Health and Wellness bulletin board near the Welcome Center for flyers on upcoming events, brochures and tips and suggest for healthy living. (Next to the Welcome Center)

Jo Tollefson, RN, PN Judy Benke, RN, PN Julie Philbrook, RN, PN

GUIDED BY THE GOSPEL: GATHERING • GROWING • GIVING