If elected, Dr. Bob Lorinser is proposing a federal Silver Alert system as national public health initiative.
GWINN, Mich. — Bob Lorinser, a Democratic candidate for US Congress in Michigan's First District, has committed to proposing a National Silver Alert bill as a public health initiative if elected.
"Implementing a Silver Alert system can drastically reduce the time to find these vulnerable individuals, ensuring their safety," said Dr. Lorinser. "It's about creating a caring community. It's about providing support and letting them know they are not alone."
A Silver Alert is activated when an elderly, developmentally, or cognitively impaired person has gone missing and is determined to be at risk. Silver Alerts provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of at-risk persons meeting the criteria.
Thirty-seven states have implemented this system, but Michigan has yet to join.
Lorinser believes that implementing a Silver Alert system would demonstrate that Michigan's federal leaders prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens, regardless of age or mental condition.
"Proposing bills like this is what a representative should be doing," said Lorinser. "This is what I learned from campaigning across Michigan's rural heartland — listening to the needs of my district. Safeguarding our vulnerable in rural communities is one of those needs."
Lorinser says the need for a nationwide federal Silver Alert system, just like an Amber Alert system, is practical and morally imperative.
"With tragedy after tragedy of missing elderly and cognitively impaired rural residents in Northern Michigan and the UP, a national Silver Alert system is a practical public health initiative and moral imperative. It's time for decisive action to safeguard our elderly, uphold their dignity, and preserve the integrity of our district, state and nation," says Lorinser.