Burns reminds municipalities of program to help people who wander
News reports of missing dementia patient highlight need for program
Northwest Delegation January 14, 2026 | 4:11 PM
JOHNSTOWN, Jan. 14 — After a dementia patient wandered away from a local care facility this week, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is reminding municipal officials about a program designed to help first responders locate people who are prone to wandering.
According to news reports, the patient walked away from his care center in Geistown and was found after an hours-long search.
Burns has been working with local first responders to connect them with Project Lifesaver, which uses specialized technology to help locate individuals who wander.
Wandering can be a serious issue for people with cognitive conditions such as dementia, autism spectrum disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
“I stay in close contact with first responders in Cambria County, so I know this can be a serious problem,” Burns said. “I’m putting my know-how in Harrisburg to work to help out. I want to help our first responders locate people who wander and give their families some peace of mind.”
Burns said any local municipality interested in launching the program can contact his office for assistance with applying for state grants.
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“I stay in close contact with first responders in Cambria County, so I know this can be a serious problem.” – Rep. Burns ____________________________________________________________________
Last month, Burns partnered with Cambria County Crime Stoppers to host an informational event for local first responders about the program.
The program provides training for first responders on various cognitive conditions and equips individuals who are prone to wandering with bracelets that transmit a unique radio frequency, allowing first responders to locate them more quickly.
“Thankfully, the patient who walked away from his care center this week was found,” Burns said. “That may not always be the case, which is why I’m urging municipalities to look into this cutting-edge technology.”
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