Through a gift from an anonymous donor, The Arc Minnesota will provide complimentary 12-month subscriptions to the Vitals Aware Services to 50 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provided as a smartphone app, Vitals Aware Services technology creates safer interactions between first responders and people with behavioral, mental health and developmental disabilities. This offer is now available to residents of Dakota County, and the cities of Chaska, Hopkins, Roseville, and St. Paul.
The Vitals™ mobile app gives families of vulnerable individuals the ability to manage a profile that contains information about their loved one’s conditions, behavior triggers, de-escalation techniques, medications and caregiver contact information. This information is connected with a Vitals™ beacon and is only shared with law enforcement and first responders when they are within 80’ of the beacon.
“We believe that Vitals™ will promote safety, increase independent living and improve relationships between law enforcement and the mental health community,” said Steve Piekarski, chief program officer, The Arc. “For many of our families, Vitals will be more than a gift. It will support an improved quality of life and a greater peace-of-mind.”
“This is a heartwarming gift that will benefit our most vulnerable population of people. What a wonderful and unique way to participate in the season of giving. We hope this gesture motivates others to give,” said Stan Alleyne, chief of communications and partnerships for Vitals™.
Learn more about a complimentary 12-month subscription to Vitals Aware Services and apply here.