North Port PD - Created the HEARTS Program as Extended Family for Seniors

North Port PD - Created the HEARTS Program as Extended Family for Seniors

H.E.A.R.T.S. Program

Helping

Ensure

Active

Response by

Telephoning

Seniors

The HEARTS Program was initiated by the North Port Police Department to help ensure the welfare of our senior citizens.

The program is intended for seniors age 60 and over who may live alone, be disabled, have little or no contact with others on a daily basis, or may have a medical condition that makes them vulnerable.

The HEARTS Program utilizes trained volunteers to place wellbeing calls to seniors daily. Calls are made Monday through Sunday between the hours of 7 am and 8 am. If the call recipient does not answer the phone, volunteers are trained to take necessary steps, which may include contacting a list of emergency contacts or dispatching emergency personnel. Program participants must be a North Port resident and complete an application (see bottom of page).

Participants may be referred by family, friends, social workers, discharge planners, clergy and other organizations serving the needs of the elderly. Target participants include those who may not have local friends or family, who may not be able to get out of the house easily or those who could benefit from knowing that someone in the community cares about their wellbeing.

In addition to program participants, volunteers are needed to place calls.

Applications may be found at the bottom of this page.

Our goal is to utilize volunteers to place a wellbeing call Monday through Sunday to program participants to ensure they are okay.

Who Can Participate -

• Senior ages 60 and over

• Must live in the City of North Port

• Seniors who may live alone, disabled, have little or no social contact with others on a daily basis or may have a medical condition that may make them vulnerable.

The North Port Police Department is concerned with the safety and welfare of all of our citizens and especially those who are in need of a little extra care and attention….our senior citizens. Seniors are valuable to us and our city! We welcome any and all questions about the program. Feel free to contact the program coordinator Mandy Lorenz at (941) 429-7341.

You can learn more about the HEARTS Program and get an application to receive help, or to even volunteer here: https://www.cityofnorthport.com/government/city-services/police/community/hearts-program