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Sheriff’s Office Launches “You Are Not Alone”, a Home Visit Program for Seniors and the Disabled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 27, 2015

CONTACT: Shari Ireton, Director of Communications, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
shari.ireton@snoco.org, 425-388-3377, Media line: 425-249-6263

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Sheriff’s Office has launched “You Are Not Alone,” a free service provided by volunteers who make regularly scheduled home visits or other contact with seniors or the disabled in Snohomish County.  “You Are Not Alone” (YANA) is a resource for residents who live independently in their own home but do not have friends or family who can regularly check on them.

“The idea behind You Are Not Alone is to prevent emergencies for the county’s most vulnerable residents living on their own,” said Sheriff Ty Trenary. “The program is a proactive approach to public safety by connecting volunteers with people confined to their homes, reducing isolation and improving quality of life.”

Once a person has registered with YANA, trained Sheriff’s Office volunteers will make regularly schedule telephone calls and home visits at prearranged times. If the participant does not answer the phone or the door at the prearranged time, a series of steps are followed to ensure the participant's safety and well-being, including sending a sheriff’s deputy to check on them.

Those interested in participating should submit a registration form.  Participation is free with the only requirement being that participants be able to answer the phone and provide at least one emergency contact.

For more information or to refer someone to the program, contact the YANA program at (425) 388-7375 or YANA@snoco.org.

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