For the families caring for a loved one diagnosed with a form of dementia, the thought of them a wandering away from home is often a scary reality. Now, local and state organizations are coming together to make sure those who go missing will be return home.

The Department of Public Safety’s Project Lifesaver, a program dedicated to tracking those who wander away, and the Alzheimer’s Outreach Group LLC, a local program that serves as a resource and support system for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, have joined forces to make sure every family in Dallas County has access to all the Project Life Saver Program resources.

Representatives from Project Lifesaver visited Riverfront Park Wednesday to present Selma residents Oscar, Tim and Frank Calloway, founders of the Alzheimer’s Outreach Group LLC, with a certificate recognizing their work to raise operational funds for the State Project Life Saver Program.

“It’s such a blessing to have that freedom to know that if something happens, all you have to do is call,” Oscar said. “We are going to do what we takes to get a transmitter in the hands everyone who needs one.”

Project Lifesaver provides transmitter bracelets that can be attached securely on the wrist of individuals with dementia. If the individual wanders, the tracking device allows them to be found in 15 to 30 minutes. The program also provides training for local emergency departments.

As of now, 19 of the state’s 67 counties do not have a Project Lifesaver program in their area, but both organizations are working hard to change that within the next two years.

“When they wonder off because of their cognitive disorder, they don’t realize they are lost,” Corporal Kent Smith, technical flight officer and coordinator for the Department of Public Safety’s Project Lifesaver Program.

It will cost as much as $400,000 annually to meet the state’s Project Lifesaver’s needs, such as funding bracelets.

Bracelets cost as much as $300, but both the Alzheimer’s Outreach Group and the Department of Public Safety’s Project Life Saver are hoping to collect enough donations to provide bracelets to patients at no cost.

The Alzheimer’s Outreach Group has received support from other organizations, such as the Collegiate Minted in giving bronze Alabama or Auburn key chains to anyone willing to donate to the organization.The key chains can be found at Regions Banks in the area.

For more information on the Alzheimer’s Outreach Group, call 419-3610 or visit alzheimersoutreach.com.