ATHENS, Ga. — For someone who has difficulty communicating during an emergency, a familiar calming strategy or an understanding of their support needs can help first responders offer assistance. A new Athens-Clarke County program aims to put that information within reach when it matters most.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is launching a Vulnerable Persons Registry in November. The free, voluntary program is designed for Athens-Clarke County residents with physical, cognitive, neurological, or mental health conditions that may affect their ability to communicate or respond during an emergency.
Through online registration, families and caregivers will be able to share information that helps responders better understand their loved ones. Along with a name, photograph, physical description and emergency contacts, they can provide communication preferences, support needs and helpful strategies for calming the person.
These details are meant to give responders a better understanding of the individual and guide a more compassionate response.
“We believe that informed first responders will help build safer communities,” says Master Police Officer Courtney Gale, one of the program’s organizers. “This program is another step toward protecting and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Gale is working with Neighborhood Service Officers Lesley Moore and Keith Sims to launch the registry.
According to the department, the registry will store information securely and share it with first responders only in an emergency. For families and caregivers, the program offers a way to prepare before a crisis — providing details in advance that may be difficult to explain when help is urgently needed.
For more information about the registry, contact Sims at [email protected] or 762-400-7309.
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