In conjunction with the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Department, Buena Vista Police Department, and the Lexington Police Department, we are part of a team of responders trained to locate individuals with Alzheimer's Disease, Autism, or other mental disorders.
Project Lifesaver was established in April of 1999 as an initiative of the 43rd Virginia Search and Rescue Company of the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. Project Lifesaver's mission is to use state-of-the-art technology in assisting those who care for victims of Alzheimer's and Related Mental Dysfunction Disorders (ARMD) and victims who become lost. These victims include the elderly and even the youngest in our community who are afflicted with Downs Syndrome and Autism.
Victims of ARMD tend to wander from their homes. Project Lifesaver places personalized radio transmitters on identified persons with ARMD. These transmitters assist care givers and local emergency agencies in locating those who cannot help themselves.
Project Lifesaver is 100% volunteer staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a
week.*
Volunteers are from the Hampton Roads Community and assist in all aspects
of Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver's volunteers are important and new
members are always welcome!
Funding for Project Lifesaver is a result of private and corporate donations and grants. Since Project Lifesaver is comprised of volunteers, donations are used directly for programs, rescues, and educational expenses.
Educational and community awareness programs have been a cornerstone to Project Lifesaver's success. Project Lifesaver volunteers are active in presenting information to civic groups, law enforcement agencies and various healthcare providers throughout the community and the state of Virginia.
* Information and Rescue Statistics are from April 1999 - May 2001.
If you know of an individual who meets the requirements to receive the bracelet, please contact the address below for referral information.
Project Lifesaver
43rd Virginia Volunteer Search and Rescue Co.
Chesapeake Sheriff's Office
John R. Newhart, Sheriff
1777 West Rd.
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Telephone (757) 432-4382
FAX (757) 432-4384
The initial cost of a transmitter bracelet is less than $300. Maintenance fees to replace the batteries and bands are $10 monthly. Financial aid is often available through the generosity of community agencies and individual donors. Project Lifesaver relies entirely on grants and private donations. Sincere gratitude is extended to the following supporters:
The late Drs G.G. and Mary W. Balazs
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Combs
Valley Program for Aging Services
Rockbridge Area Presbyterian Home
Sunrise Rotary of Buena Vista
Rockbridge Area Hospice
Buena Vista Police Department
Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office
Buena Vista Health Department
This information is provided by the 43rd Virginia
Volunteer Search and Rescue Company of the Chesapeake Sheriff's Department.
http://www.projectlifesaver.net