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Members of the Pilot Club of Andalusia presented an $800 donation to Blake Turman and the Covington County Sheriff’s Department to put toward Project Lifesaver on Monday, July 17.

The Pilot Club, in partnership with the local sheriff’s office, participates in the potentially lifesaving program for Covington County residents. The Project Lifesaver’s mission is to support the efficient and safe return of individuals who are “at risk” for wandering through the use of modern, reliable personal tracking equipment with the secondary impact of providing peace of mind to their caregivers. These individuals include patients with Alzheimer’s and other related mental functional disorders. They can be the elderly or even the youngest in the community who have Down syndrome or autism. No one is exempt. People with ARMD tend to wander from their homes.

“I was at a Pilot International Convention when they first introduced the director of Project Lifesaver. It seemed like something we needed in our area. I promoted it then and am glad to still be a part of it. When you get 80, it seems to be even more important,” Pilot Club Member Carolyn Davis said. “This is a free service available to all Covington County residents,” Pilot Club President Meredith Harlos added.

Founded in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1999, Project Lifesaver is a 501 (c)(3) community-based, public safety, non-profit organization. It places personalized wristbands with radio transmitters on identified people with ARMD. These transmitters assist caregivers and local emergency agencies in locating those who need to be found. There is no cost to the recipient or their caregivers.

The transmitter is a small circular radio device on a wristband, approximately the size of a wristwatch. The transmitters and wristbands are worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are difficult to remove without the appropriate tools. If the participant becomes lost or missing, the Sheriff’s office and emergency response services have specialized tracking equipment to help isolate the location of the transmitter the participant is wearing. The goal is to determine the location of the signal in a quick, timely manner, minimizing the risk of harm to the loved one.

“Project Lifesaver is for individuals of any age that should need assistance through this program. The Pilot Club of Andalusia holds this project close to our hearts because we have seen how much it helps individuals and their families. We always give back to the community and hope this is one way we can help,” Pilot Club Member Angie Kelley said.

Caregivers interested in having their loved ones participate in Project Lifesaver may contact the CCSO at 334-428-2664.

The Pilot Club meets every fourth Monday each month, 5:30 p.m., at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information visit the Pilot Club of Andalusia Facebook page or contact any member.