MedicAlert Support Services

The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, in partnership with MedicAlert Foundation, has announced a free program aimed to protect community members with dementia and autism who are at-risk for wandering emergencies. Through the new program, the Poughkeepsie Police Department will now be able to enroll City of Poughkeepsie residents (and their caregivers), via an online portal, into the MedicAlert national registry/database to receive a free medical identification bracelet and free 24/7 emergency support services.

While the wandering statistics for Alzheimer's disease and autism are staggering (6 in 10 adults with Alzheimer's or related dementia will wander, and 50% of individuals with autism spectrum disorders will engage in elopement behavior); MedicAlert has been hailed as an important part of the overall safety plan for families with a loved one at-risk of wandering. The charity reports that there is a 98% success rate for locating missing persons when MedicAlert products and services are utilized.

MedicAlert has developed specialized services to address wandering emergencies: MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return is for individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia, and MedicAlert Found is for children and adults with autism spectrum and developmental disorders. These services are being offered at no charge to community members, along with a free MedicAlert identification bracelet. "We know that wandering is a grave concern for families, especially those with loved ones who have a dementia or autism spectrum diagnosis," says David Leslie, President and CEO for MedicAlert Foundation. "Therefore, we are pleased to work with the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department to further protect their community members who are at risk."

Support Services - Contact Us

Families that are interested in obtaining the free medical ID and 24/7 services should contact Christopher Bodin of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department at 845-451-4104 or email using this contact form.