Monroe County has started the SAFE Program to help first responders assist residents with disabilities or special needs. The program is enrollment-based and gives emergency personnel important information to prevent confusion and reduce the use of force. Sheriff Troy Goodnough said, "And we always come back to the same thing if we only had known," noting that knowing a person’s condition can change how responders act. Families can enroll loved ones with conditions such as autism, ADHD, chronic illnesses, or intellectual or developmental disabilities, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
Monroe, MI, has launched the SAFE Program, a collaboration between the Monroe Public Safety Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, local fire departments, Monroe County Mental Health, and area school districts. The program allows first responders to access important information about residents with disabilities or special needs during emergencies. Participants place a decal on their home or vehicle to indicate that information is available in a secure dispatch system, including triggers that could cause distress and helpful calming techniques. Director of Public Safety Chad Tolstedt said, "We believe the SAFE program will provide significant benefits not just for the residents of the City of Monroe, but for Monroe County as a whole," according to the City of Monroe on their facebook page.
Enrollment in the SAFE Program is open only to Monroe County residents and can be completed online. Lisa Graham of the Monroe County Mental Health Authority said, "This will allow people, families, to feel much more comfortable getting a really good, safe, and appropriate response for their loved one," as mentioned by ClickOnDetroit. For details on eligibility and enrollment, residents can contact Monroe County officials by email or visit the SAFE Program website.
