The Owen Sound Police Service has announced a new partnership with MedicAlert Foundation Canada to bring a potentially life-saving partnership to Owen Sound. The MedicAlert Connect Protect will benefit citizens and visitors to Owen Sound with information that can save lives.

People that are prone to wandering away from their environment such as children and adults living with autism, seniors affected by dementia and others with special needs or cognitive disorders will benefit from the new program. MedicAlert Connect Protect gives police officers immediate acces to a MedicAlert subscriber's photo, identity, emergency and medical information helping them quickly reunite wandering individuals with their family or caregivers. The information is confidential and used in emergencies only.

"In any emergency, it's important to remember that every second counts", said Chief Bill Sornberger. "MedicAlert ConnectProtect allows our officers access to real-time data ensuring the safety of our residents, whether it be an autistic child or senior living with dementia. This partnership allows us to continue providing the most effective and appropriate resources to enhance the overall wellbeing and safety of Owen Sound and community of Grey and Bruce counties".

MedicAlert Connect Protect gives police officers direct "confidential" 24-hour access to a registered MedicAlert subscriber's photo, identity and other vital information through their MedicAlert ID. This will help officers conduct their search more efficiently, ensuring those who have gone missing are reunited with their loved ones sooner. This will also give officers insight when called to an emergency involving a MedicAlert subscriber, equipping them with vital information.

"It's critical that we're able to find and recognize wandering or unidentified people as quickly and efficiently as possible, both to protect our subscribers and also to save police resources," explains Robert Ridge, President and CEO of MedicAlert.

source: media release, Owen Sound Police Services