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It’s a program that everyone in Rutherford County needs to be aware of so they can help family and friends who may be in need. In late 1990 the R.U.OK? program was implemented. The program is designed for seniors, anyone living alone, or individuals who may need assistance when the unexpected happens.
This program is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week watch dog for all those who sign up. How much does the program cost? Absolutely nothing to the individual, it is totally donation driven and a public service of the Rutherford County Sheriff Department.
The Sheriff Department has begun a new awareness campaign so that “no citizen of Rutherford County is overlooked and they are aware of this great program.” Headed by Lieutenant Leon Godlock, R.U. OK? is one of the “special needs” program that Sheriff Chris Francis has made a priority.
The system consists of a personal computer dedicated to the program that stores subscriber names, phone numbers and call times. At a predetermined time, the system calls each person to see if they are O.K. If there is no answer it calls again. If there is no response an alert is given to the 911 communications center. There is an immediate attempt to make contact with relatives or neighbors to check on the subscriber. Also, appropriate emergency personnel will be directed to respond to the residence to assist the subscriber if necessary. The program can handle up to 150 calls per hour and does not require any special telephone lines, but answering machines must be disconnected (it conflicts with the system). The procedures are very simple. It requires the subscriber to be near the telephone when being called, and if o.k. respond by saying “yes”. If help is needed, do not answer the telephone and help will be sent immediately. The program gives each subscriber a brief but thorough indoctrination.
A great example of this efficient program is what happened this past September 13th. Martha Cash had just lost her husband of 56 years, Glenn, the preceding August 29th. She subscribed to the R.U.OK? program and less than a month found herself in need. When assistance finally got into her home, she was rushed to Rutherford Hospital and was on life support for eight days. Martha was so grateful that she wrote to Sheriff Francis and gratefully told him that the “program saved my life!” She will tell you that: “I’d recommend the program to anybody, it saved my life and can save others too and it doesn’t cost a thing!” When we were introduced to Martha Cash, she could not stop thanking and being so grateful for this program.
R.U.OK? Her response was, “Yes, I’m alive!”
If you know someone who could use this great service, simply call 828-287-6247. Lieutenant Godlock will respond and meet with the potential subscriber to find a custom made schedule to fulfill the protective need. Sheriff Francis says he wants all Rutherford County folks in need to sign up and utilize this cost free program. “It’s just another way we can give back to our citizens.”
