Providing cell phones for emergency assistance to active low-income seniors
Abstract
Cellular phones with discontinued service can be used for 911 emergency calls without having to pay monthly service fees. Collecting donated cell phones, and distributing them to low-income seniors, provides seniors ready access to emergency assistance. This effective practice was submitted by The Golden Umbrella, a Senior Corps grantee.Issue
While cell phones have become a common means of communication for a large portion of society, they are not an affordable option for many low-income seniors who are active in the community and could benefit from having mobile access to emergency assistance.Action
In Redding, California, it was brought to the attention of a local injury and prevention coalition, including members from health and law enforcement organizations, that many people have old cell phones they no longer use as a result of changing their service providers. Although the regular calling service on these phones has been discontinued, they can still be used for making 911 emergency calls free of charge.
The coalition held a media campaign, asking people to donate their old cell phones for emergency use. The local California Highway Patrol office that was designated as the collection site received more than 100 cell phones that were then distributed to senior volunteers in the community.
Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and other seniors have been provided free cellular phones for their members to use in emergency situations. A presentation by a highway patrol officer educated the seniors on how to use the phones and gave guidelines for making 911 calls.
Context
A coalition of service providers in Redding, California, partnered with the local California Highway Patrol and Senior Corps program to collect and distribute donated cell phones to low-income seniors in the community.Outcome
Seniors now have a heightened sense of security when traveling alone because they have nationwide access to emergency assistance.
Two weeks after receiving a donated cellular phone, a senior had a tire blowout on the freeway. Stranded on the side of the freeway and beginning to panic, she remembered her phone, dialed 911 and received assistance in about fifteen minutes.
Posted On
May 31, 2001For More Information