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The Etowah County Sheriff's Office partners with the Pilot Club of Gadsden to provide a system for tracking patients with Alzheimer's disease or persons with autism, in the event they wander away from their caregiver. Project Lifesaver provides special armbands to assist in locating them if they become lost. The armbands emit radio signals that can be tracked using special equipment. When sheriff's deputies are alerted that a patient is missing, the devices are tuned into that patient's assigned signal. Most patients are found within a few minutes.
Currently, 18 individuals in Etowah County participate in Project Lifesaver.
How it works: Armbands may be purchased through the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office. Some armbands are available at little or no cost for families facing financial hardship, thanks to donations from citizens and support from local foundations. Etowah County Sheriff’s Office investigators interview prospective clients and their families. Based on information collected, trained personnel receive authorization to meet with families and place the armband on the individual. Once a month, a visit to the home will be made to check on the armband, replace the battery and insure the device is working properly. Personnel is available to assist in the event a patient removes or damages their armband.
How can you receive an armband for someone you care for? 
Contact:
Etowah County Sheriff’s Office
827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, Alabama 35901
Phone: (256) 546-2825 or E-mail motwell@etowahcounty.org
How do I donate so that more patients may have armbands?
Donations may be made to the Pilot Club of Gadsden. Just tell them that you want your donation to go toward helping a family be part of Project Lifesaver.
Contact: Shirley Hughes at (256) 546-0347
What if we are having trouble with our armband?
Contact: Misty Otwell at (256) 546-2825
Who do I call if my loved one wanders away?
Call 911 immediately. Be sure to tell dispatchers that the individual has an armband. Dispatchers will notify the appropriate deputies to assist in finding the person as quickly as possible.
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