Help Make Changes to Our Texas Silver Alert
Modeled after the Amber Alert, the Silver Alert is an emergency system in which law enforcement can broadcast regional or statewide alerts for missing seniors and/or other adults with Alzheimer's or other cognitive disorders.
The Silver Alert Change organization came about after the search February 5th for Dennis Shippey, age 63, Pearland, Texas. Dennis was missing for approximately 36 hours. He was found 40+ miles from where he started his walk in Pasadena, Texas. The Silver Alert was requested in the search but was denied because Dennis did not meet the age requirement of 65. Dennis was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in May 2002.
During these years, he has responded well to medications prescribed and led an active life: top ten swimmer (YMCA Nationals, Senior Nationals and Masters Swimming); awarded the Theron Pickle Lifetime Achievement Award 2007 for contributions
to swimming; rode his bicycle in the RAGBRAI (444 miles across Iowa 2005 w/son Scott); and continues
to improve his bowling skills. As a result of the wandering incident February 2009, the authorities suggested residential placement for this “young” and active man who is facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
Texas Silver Alert Program - Silver Alert Change Organization
We are working to change the Texas Silver Alert Program to include individuals registered with the Safe Return program (national registry for persons with Alzheimer’s) regardless of age. We will be using the North Carolina Silver Alert System as our example, which in turn will be used to create our proposal for TEXAS. Our primary focus is to include persons with documented Alzheimer’s to be included (regardless of age). Presently the state of TEXAS will not authorize a Silver Alert under any condition unless the individual is 65 years of age.
We are looking for resolutions and/or letters from Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Senior Citizen organizations, law enforcement, city governments and any community organizations that document support for first and foremost a change in the Silver Alert program.
Our goal is to take that change to our next legislative session in fall 2010-11. Even though that may seem far away, there is much to do and recruiting volunteers is the first and most important step.
By registering your support today, you make it possible for us to contact you as help is needed to put together a legislative bill that will change the Silver Alert in Texas.
Letter from Linda Shippey (indepth story)
Texas Silver Alert Program information:
* Silver Alert Request Form (PDF) [Law Enforcement Agency use only] (Use this form to request activation of the Texas Silver Alert Network)
* Silver Alert Information and Criteria (PDF)
* Silver Alert Guide for Physicians (PDF)
Linda S. Shippey.
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