House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

With each passing hour that an individual is missing, a family grows more panicked and worried about their safety and health. The gut-wrenching anxiety builds as time passes, and the unknown begins to make a family wonder if they will ever hug their loved one again. In cases of missing seniors with dementia, the fear is compounded by a feeling of helplessness and can make the search even more difficult.
Six in 10 people living with dementia will wander, and in many cases, will be unable to recall their name or address. Today, we know that the first 72 hours following the disappearance of a missing person is often the most critical window to safely rescue and return the individual to their family or residence. Much like the AMBER Alert System that has saved the lives of hundreds of children, this legislation would develop the Silver Alert System, alerting the public of a missing senior with dementia in order to locate the individual more effectively.
Through the creation of this notification system, Pennsylvania would join 35 other states in taking the vital step in protecting and serving some of our most vulnerable residents. Time is of the essence for these individuals, and the Silver Alert System recognizes just that.
Please join me in supporting this legislation so that we are better able to deliver our fellow Pennsylvanians back to safety. Any questions regarding this legislation, please contact whaigood@pahouse.net.