11:45 am - February 12, 2025
In the heart of Arkansas, a group of dedicated students from Pottsville Junior High School’s EAST Program embarked on a mission to tackle a pressing issue in their community. Josie Holland, Natalia Gullett, and Loralai Hodge, inspired by the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, developed an innovative tracking system. Their project aimed to address the growing concern of missing persons alerts, which often left caregivers in distress. By creating a solution that combines technology with compassion, these students demonstrated the power of young minds in driving positive change.
The problem they sought to solve was both urgent and deeply personal. Silver alerts, designed to locate missing individuals with cognitive impairments, often fell short in efficiently reuniting them with their caregivers. The emotional toll on families was evident, with each passing moment increasing anxiety and helplessness. Recognizing this gap, the students dedicated two months to developing a tracker that would streamline the process of finding lost individuals, ultimately easing the burden on caregivers.
Their invention, a sleek and user-friendly tracking device, relies on QR code technology. Caregivers can register their loved ones by filling out a form linked to a unique QR code. When someone finds the individual, scanning the code directs them to a Google form where they can provide essential information. This data is instantly relayed to Tiffany Horton, a community educator who acts as a lifeline, swiftly connecting finders with families. The system’s efficiency is a testament to the students’ understanding of the critical need for timely solutions.
The impact of their work extends beyond technology; it touches lives. Horton shared heart-wrenching stories of individuals found miles from home, lost and distressed. The tracker not only reunites families but also offers caregivers a sense of security, knowing help is just a scan away. By addressing the emotional and logistical challenges, the students’ invention has become a beacon of hope, reminding us of the difference compassion can make in our communities.
For the students, this project was more than an academic exercise; it was a labor of love. Josie, Natalia, and Loralai expressed their joy in creating something that genuinely helps others. Their dedication and empathy shine through, as they continue to share their innovation, aiming to educate law enforcement and present their work at the state EAST conference. Their journey is a reminder that youthful energy and creativity can lead to meaningful solutions for real-world problems.
As their project gains momentum, the possibility of widespread adoption grows. For those interested in obtaining the tracker or learning more, Tiffany Horton is a ready resource, reachable at 501-730-1610 or via email. This initiative, born from the minds of a few caring students, stands as a powerful example of how innovation can transform lives, offering hope and relief to many facing the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s.