[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL SILVER ALERT ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 632, the National Silver Alert Act.
  This legislation will provide federal grants to states to assist them 
in the development or improvement of an alert system for seniors.
  I believe that a society can be judged by the compassion it shows to 
the most vulnerable in that society. And in America those are our 
children and our seniors.
  We all know that our society is aging and many in our community are 
facing the challenges posed by dealing with aging parents and loved 
ones.
  We worry about the safety of our seniors, particularly those who 
suffer from either Alzheimers or dementia. And our first concern is to 
ensure that our loved ones get the care they need.
  Many times those seniors when going about everyday tasks like going 
to the store or walking their dog can wander or drive off and become 
lost.
  Statistics show that as many as 60% of patients with Alzheimers or 
dementia will wander at some point during their illness. Those same 
statistics also show that if they are not found within the first 24 
hours that as many as 50% will suffer serious injury or death.
  That is enough to elicit serious concern from any loved one or care 
provider.
  We have experienced similar issues with young children who wander 
away or are taken by someone.
  To combat that problem we established the Amber Alert system.
  Amber Alert ensures that the information concerning that child is 
shared with law enforcement and with the general public through the 
media and signs along our roadways.
  We have all seen these reports when they are issued and we all keep 
an extra keen eye to provide any assistance we can to return those 
children to safety.
  The Amber Alert System works and it works well.
  Our seniors deserve no less support, particularly those suffering 
from Alzheimers or dementia.
  They too often can become confused and travel far distances or to 
areas of danger with little ability to find their way home.
  That is why I strongly support the National Silver Alert Act. I am 
hopeful that we can quickly pass this important legislation and urge 
all of my colleagues to support this measure.

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