MIHI (Many Individuals Helping Individuals) has served the Washington County community since 1987.

With the support of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, City of Hagerstown Police Department, Washington County Autism Society of America, The ARC of Washington County, Washington County Commission on Aging, Washington County Board of Education, and the Washington County Concerned Parents of Autistic Children, MIHI has taken the lead to establish “Project Lifesaver” in our county.

In the United States, over 5,000,000 seniors have Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to triple by the year 2050. Each day, 50 children in America are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Currently, one child in 166 live births will develop on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In Washington County, our school population is approximately 21,000 students. Of those students, approximately 2,500 have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that indicates special education services. The number of students in Washington County with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders has risen from three in 1993 to 95 as of the 2005 count.

It is estimated due to multiple factors, that our numbers fall closer to 160 students. Due to early diagnosis of students, re-evaluations of current students, multiple diagnosis of students and families moving into the county from other Maryland counties or from out of state, it is anticipated that our numbers will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

A major concern those who care for those with Autism and Alzheimers is the fact that these individuals often have the tendency to wander. There was a story recently in the local paper where an Autistic child wandered off in neighboring Frederick County and was found dead in a swimming pool.

MIHI, and the supporting agencies listed above, truly feel by implementing “Project Lifesaver” in Washington County, we can put in place a locating system that will safeguard these citizens and help prevent such occurrences in our community.

“Project Lifesaver” will benefit children and adults who struggle with autism, and various degrees of memory loss and have a tendency to wander. With the fastest growing group of our population being senior citizens and the increasing numbers of citizens with severe autism, the need for this technology is paramount.

If you would like to assist in MIHI’s “Project Lifesaver” fundraising events or make a cash donation to this worthwhile cause, contact Linn Hendershot at 301.766.9155 or Bill Beard at 301.745.6444.

Funds will be used to purchase transmitters and receivers to be utilized by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Hagerstown Police Department to locate those who have a tendency to ‘wander’ due to the effects of Autism, Alzheimers and other related memory-lose issues. The funds requested from the Washington County Gaming Commission, will be used to purchase two receivers and a supply of transmitters to launch “Project Lifesaver”.