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National Autism Association Provides Funds to Law Enforcement Agencies in Staunton, Virginia and Summit County, Utah for Project Lifesaver Equipment

Posted on: Monday, 18 May 2009, 07:58 CDT

RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Autism Association (NAA) announced today it has awarded grants to two more law enforcement agencies for Project Lifesaver Equipment through the organization's FOUND Program. Staunton, Virginia Police Department and Summit County Utah Sheriff's Department will both receive grants for $6800 for the equipment, which includes five wristbands for children with autism at high risk for wandering. FOUND was developed by NAA to counter the rise in wandering-related deaths among children with autism spectrum disorders.

Project Lifesaver is a nationwide tracking program established to quickly locate and rescue missing persons with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities. Counties are chosen by NAA based on need. "In Summit County, a twenty-year-old with autism had gone missing several times, resulting in multiple search and rescue efforts. NAA felt Project Lifesaver equipment would ensure this person's safety in the future," said Wendy Fournier of NAA. "Staunton Virginia, also has individuals at high risk and needed funding."

Due to its 100% recovery rate, NAA hopes more counties will implement the Project Lifesaver Program.

Fundraising tools were established by NAA for communities that wish to raise funds in their own counties for Project Lifesaver. To download fundraising tools, visit www.nationalautismassociation.org/found.php.

The FOUND Program relies heavily on donations. Donors have a choice to adopt an entire county or a partial county for any given amount by visiting http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/proddetail.php?prod=Donation-FOUND

To learn more about Project Lifesaver, visit www.projectlifesaver.org. Parents and caregivers can also find safety tips on NAA's site at www.nationalautismassociation.org/safetytoolkit

SOURCE National Autism Association

Source: PR Newswire

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