Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that he has secured $10,000 in funding to expand the Project Lifesaver program in Montgomery County. Sheriff Jeff Smith joined Assemblyman Santabarbara to receive the funding, talk about the success of the program and launch a joint public outreach campaign which includes a series of billboards throughout Montgomery County.

ABOUT PROJECT LIFESAVER:

Project Lifesaver is designed to help local law enforcement agencies find missing people who have a tendency to wander, including people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s and other related conditions. These individuals wear a discreet bracelet on their wrist or ankle, which when activated, will allow law enforcement officers to quickly find them without the need for massive search and rescue efforts.

With this funding, participation in the program will be available to more families and caregivers. At the press conference, Santabarbara and Smith will launch a joint public campaign to get the word out about the expansion of the program and how to apply. This funding will enable the Montgomery County Sheriff about 100 more of these bracelets.

“The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with autism and other conditions is a growing and serious responsibility,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara, who is Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders. “As the father of a son with autism, I know this is something that is very real and could happen anywhere and at any time.” Santabarbara said. “This proven technology is part of the solution to this growing health and safety issue. Working hand in hand with trained officers, Project Lifesaver helps save time, money and most importantly, our loved ones.”

"With the partnership of Assemblymen Angelo Santabarbara this grant money will allow the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office to expand its Project Lifesaver program, by purchasing equipment and advertising that will assist in enrolling additional people in the program. We are very grateful and appreciative for this opportunity to expand our current program. Working together it is our hopes to eliminate the worry of a family member/caregiver and to enhance our response capabilities making everyone safer", said Jeffery T. Smith, Montgomery County Sheriff.

Santabarbara, who is chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, also presented Schenectady County with $10,000 for its Project Lifesaver program last fall.