Ohio County approves start-up funding for Project Lifesaver to help locate residents who wander

Ohio County Fiscal Court voted to fund the initial startup of Project Lifesaver, a local program that uses radio-frequency transmitters and trained receivers to locate people who wander due to dementia, autism, Down syndrome or similar conditions.

The court approved a motion to advance $5,000 from the county general fund, to be reimbursed by the county emergency management agency's (EMA) pending FEMA payment, and to use $15.50 from the county's community contributions account to complete the $6,550 initial setup. The motion was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Presenters said Project Lifesaver equips participants with small transmitters (wrist or ankle) that broadcast a unique frequency. Charlie, a presenter who has been involved in deployment in neighboring counties, told the court the system has been used in more than 4,500 searches nationally and that local counties using the program have reported rapid recoveries in recent searches. A presenter identified in the record as Charity Chills described how the program would be installed and maintained locally, including monthly battery checks and an initial three-year warranty on transmitters.

An attending parent, who identified her 5-year-old son Hayes as a child with autism, said Project Lifesaver would provide — proven, more rapid way to find— loved ones and described the emotional toll of constant vigilance: "This device can, you know, literally stay in between life and death," she said.

Officials clarified costs for participants: presenters said the one-time transmitter cost is roughly $350 to $385 (depending on band) and includes a year's worth of batteries and a three-year warranty; ongoing maintenance and battery-replacement support was described as roughly $50 to $80 per year for fieldwork and battery service. Presenters said they had surveyed 185 local respondents and planned to pursue grants and donations to support long-term costs.

The court member who moved the funding noted the county would seek reimbursement from EMA/FEMA for the $5,000 and that the small community-contributions draw would cover the remaining balance. The motion as recorded instructs the treasurer to advance the funds with the intent of reimbursement.

Next steps: organizers said they will train two local responders, begin outreach to potential participants, pursue grants once the program is established, and coordinate cross-county frequency sharing with neighboring counties that already operate Project Lifesaver receivers. The county will consider program uptake and potential future operating costs as part of regular budget oversight.