DEDHAM, MA, Jan. 10, 2012 - Norfolk County Sheriff Michael G. Bellotti is encouraging elderly area residents to sign up for his free-of-charge "Are You OK?" program.
Each morning, a Norfolk County Sheriff's Office staff member assigned to "Are You OK?" places phone calls to the homes of program participants to check on their wellbeing. If a participant fails to answer or indicates that they may need emergency medical care, the "Are You OK?" officer can summon help immediately.
"This is a great program that has saved lives and provided peace-of-mind for countless people since we introduced it in Norfolk County in 2001," Sheriff Bellotti said.
"The program allows people to maintain their independent lifestyle without sacrificing the security of having someone check in with them 365 days a year. It also gives relatives confidence that their loved ones are not in danger of being neglected in the event of a medical emergency," he added.
Sheriff Bellotti also praised Fallon Ambulance, which became a partner with the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office in operating "Are You OK?" in 2009.
"Fallon Ambulance deserves credit for helping keep this great program in operation when budget constraints threatened its survival," he said.
Anyone who wishes to sign up for the program or learn more about it should call the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office at 1-866-900-RUOK (7865). You can also go to the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office website at www.norfolksheriff.com and click on the "Programs for the Community" heading.