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Bruce's Buddies presents sensory 'comfort bags' for first responders
Summary
Bruce's Buddies asked the Cheatham County Commission to support a program placing sensory 'comfort bags' (about $50 each) in sheriff's and EMS vehicles to help people with sensory disorders during emergency responses; the group also described outreach, training and a June 4 Summerfest for sensory individuals.
Jody Van of Bruce's Buddies presented a proposal for sensory "comfort bags" to be placed with EMS and sheriff's deputies to help people who have sensory issues during emergency responses. "These bags contain items that someone who has sensory issues, it would help calm them or help occupy them in the time of emergency," Van said, describing communication cards, ear protection and other calming items.
Van said the group has worked with local law enforcement and school resource officers and intends for the nonprofit to restock kits after use. Presenters said the cost to assemble each kit is about $50. "We broke it down by every item down down to the pin down to the ink pin. And it was round about $50 to do the all the content for that," a presenter associated with Bruce's Buddies said.
Presenters said they are pursuing 501(c)(3) status and hope to place kits in patrol vehicles, ambulances and shift supervisors' units, with a few extras available for other agencies or to respond to specific needs. They also described training opportunities for first responders and said the program may tie into registry-style programs used elsewhere, citing the YellowDot program as an example to flag drivers with sensory disorders during traffic stops.
The group also promoted a free "Special Needs" event at the county Summerfest on June 4, open to sensory individuals and their families, and asked the commission for support and guidance on logistics, coordination with schools and any county deployment of kits. Presenters said private donations will fund the bags and that Bruce's Buddies will handle replenishment.
No formal action was taken at the workshop; staff and commissioners discussed coordination points and how the program might be expanded countywide.
Next steps: Bruce's Buddies will continue outreach to schools and first responders and pursue nonprofit status; commissioners asked staff to follow up on any necessary logistics or approvals.
