Petition to Bring Project Lifesaver to Ashtabula County, Ohio

Bring Project Lifesaver to Ashtabula County

As a mother of an autistic 4-year-old, I understand the constant concern families face when it comes to safety and wandering. Each year, children with autism and adults with dementia wander from safety, putting them at serious risk. In a rural county like Ashtabula—with ponds, wooded areas, and Lake Erie shoreline—every minute matters when someone goes missing.

For those with dementia, wandering is common and dangerous. Individuals may become disoriented or try to return to a place from their past. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander at least once, often repeatedly. Without quick recovery, they face risks like exposure, dehydration, injury, or drowning—especially in our unpredictable environment.

National data shows nearly half of children with autism who wander are at risk of drowning, and most are found within a mile of where they went missing—highlighting the need for rapid response. The same is true for adults with dementia: they are often nearby, but time is critical.

Project Lifesaver is a proven program that equips individuals with a small radio transmitter, allowing trained first responders to locate them quickly. It has saved thousands of lives and gives families peace of mind.

Ashtabula County is home to thousands living with autism and dementia, yet we do not currently offer Project Lifesaver.

By signing this petition, I respectfully ask the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, county commissioners, and community leaders to bring Project Lifesaver to our county by:

Exploring grant and community funding opportunities.

Partnering with Project Lifesaver International.

Training local first responders.

Making this lifesaving program available to families.

Every child and vulnerable adult deserves the chance to come home safely.

I support bringing Project Lifesaver to Ashtabula County.