LEGISLATIVE ALERT
September 18, 2008
Contact: Paul Williams, 703/562-1183, ext. 242
ALEXANDRIA, VA—By a voice vote, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation authored by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), the National Silver Alert Act (H.R. 6064), to help law enforcement quickly locate missing seniors.
“Coordination saves lives,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, in a press release. “Reuniting missing seniors with their families requires a rapid, united response. What’s missing from efforts to locate missing seniors is sufficient federal support—my bill closes the gap. With the National Silver Alert Act, communities can use and build on existing resources to help keep our seniors safe.”
ALFA is an original endorsing organization of the National Silver Alert Act. The legislation creates a voluntary national system as well as a position for a national Silver Alert Coordinator within the U.S. Department of Justice. Under the bill, the Silver Alert Coordinator will consult with such agencies as the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the Administration on Aging within the Department of Health and Human Services to develop best practices for Silver Alert programs. The bill will authorize up to $10 million in state grants to develop and maintain Silver Alert programs.
According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, more than 5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and approximately 3 million will wander away at some point.
Video of Rep. Doggett’s remarks on the House floor debate on Silver Alert is available online.
About the Assisted Living Federation of America
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is continuously raising the bar for operational excellence in resident-centered senior living. ALFA serves as the voice for senior living and advocates for informed choice, quality care, and accessibility for all Americans needing assistance with long-term care. Through the committed leadership of its member company executives, state affiliates, and alliance partners, ALFA is creating the future of senior living in America.
