Project Lifesaver is getting a charge from Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.

Good Shepherd is donating $2,400 to purchase a year’s supply of batteries and nylon bracelets required to continue the Project Lifesaver program which began in Allentown in 2012 and utilizes technology for the search and rescue of at-risk adults and children with Autism and other cognitive disorders.

At an afternoon news conference, Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell and Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz, Jr. accepted the donation for Project Lifesaver from Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network President and CEO Michael Spigel.

“We are excited to partner with Good Shepherd to bring additional awareness to the Project Lifesaver program, said Chief Granitz. “The more children and adults were can outfit means we have a better chance of keeping them away from harm.”

“Project Lifesaver provides an expert, leading-edge solution for children with autism and their families, as well as other community members living with cognitive disorders and at-risk for wandering,” said Michael Spigel, PT, MHA, President & CEO of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. “It became apparent that we as an organization had the opportunity to support Allentown’s outstanding efforts of reducing potential injury and saving lives through a vital public service.”

Mayor O’Connell said, “I commend Good Shepherd for their generosity.  Allentown is fortunate to have great city partners and the donation from Good Shepherd has the potential to save lives and serious injury.”

Under the Project Lifesaver program, a person with a cognitive mental disorder, for example, Autism or Alzheimer’s, and is prone to wandering, is outfitted with a bracelet.  The bracelet contains a “transmitter.”   The transmitter is specific to a certain FM frequency.  The bracelet “transmits” a signal every one second over that frequency 24 hours a day.  The client wears this bracelet at all times and no other action is taken or required.

If the client wanders away, the APD Project Lifesaver team is mobilized with what is referred to as the “receiver.”  The receiver can be input with the specific frequency of the client.  A search begins near the last location of the client.  The receiver searches for that signal the transmitter is putting out every second.  The team then focuses on that signal which can and will pinpoint the exact location of the person.

There are currently 40 Allentown residents wearing bracelets each of which requires a new battery and nylon bracelet each month.

Parents or guardians in Allentown interested in obtaining a tracking bracelet can contact Allentown Police Captain Jim Keiser, Project Lifesaver Coordinator for APD at 610-437-7741.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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