Triad offers carbon monoxide detectors to senior citizens

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
May 21, 2003
Lauderdale County Triad has about 60 carbon monoxide detectors available for senior citizens through the Meridian Fire Department.
The detectors can be obtained from Jimmy Hoffer, fire prevention specialist and spokesman for the department. Senior citizens will be asked to fill out a form to receive the detectors, which will be installed by the department. The detectors will go to elderly people, with a focus on the handicapped.
The project was discussed at Triad's regular monthly meeting on Tuesday at the Lauderdale County jail, where members also voted to purchase more crime prevention literature for distribution among seniors.
Members of Triad include law enforcement officers, health care workers and others associated with senior citizen issues. The group's president is Genie Durden, a member of the local Heart and Hand Organization.
The group receives grants from the Council on Aging.
Triad also provides large, reflective house and mailbox address numbers to senior citizens who want to make their addresses more visible to emergency vehicles.
The following scheduled events, open to the public, were discussed at the meeting:
A stroke and cholesterol screening will be held Thursday from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. sponsored by the Lauderdale County Council on Aging. It will be in the lobby of Riley Hospital, 1102 Constitution Ave., for people 55 or older. The screenings are free, but an appointment must be made by calling Deanna Cornish, community education coordinator for Riley at 484-3585.
A workshop titled Help for Alzheimer's Care Givers will be May 29 at Rush Senior Center, 5009 Highway 493. Registration will be from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. The workshop, which is free, will end by 4 p.m.
WHAT IS TRIAD?
The Lauderdale County Triad is a three-way effort among the sheriff's department, local police and the American Association of Retired Persons to reduce the possibility of senior citizens becoming crime victims. It also focuses on getting emergency help to seniors quickly and efficiently.
Any Lauderdale County resident 55 or older who wants free house numbers, carbon monoxide detectors or more information about Triad, should write: Triad c/o Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, 2001 Fifth St., Meridian, MS 39301. Provide name, address and telephone number.