Enhancement of the current program to focus on reducing injury and death of missing individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities

The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD), in partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Inclusive, the Regional Autism Advisory Council of Southwest Ohio and the Cincinnati Public School System, will enhance and expand the GRASP program which is designed to reduce injuries and death of missing individuals with dementia and developmental disabilities. The award will be utilized to expand and support cross-beneficial partnerships that leverage each organization’s strengths into a person-centered care approach. The purpose is to reduce injuries and death of missing individuals living with dementia and developmental disabilities. The Cincinnati Police Department will utilize funding to achieve five goals: 1) Growing community awareness and partnerships; 2) Responder training; 3) Accelerated notification using tracking technology; 4) Support for individuals and families; and 5) Program sustainability - also known as G.R.A.S.P. The funding will provide a multi-faceted and blended design focused on expanding regionally to adjacent police agencies and fire personnel. The program will discuss locating technology, and education for individuals, families, guardians and first responders which includes specific, targeted training events pairing first responders and individuals. The training is designed to build trust and breakdown barriers, increase recognition and response initiatives, and provide access to emergency notification services, i.e., Smart 911. CPD seeks to educate the Cincinnati Fire Department on the GRASP program due to the number of calls for service the police and fire departments overlap on; some of which include medical emergencies for missing persons.