You Are Not Alone program launches for seniors

The program, known as You Are Not Alone (YANA), is a free service available to seniors or disabled citizens who may be experiencing isolation in their homes. Set to roll out on June 1, YANA falls under the umbrella of a new community-focused sheriff's office entity called the Office of Neighborhoods, which is coordinated by Sgt. Ian Huri.

Huri recently presented YANA to seniors at the Sky Valley Senior Center (617 First St., Sultan), which is operated by the Volunteers of America Western Washington.-á

Through YANA, sheriff's office volunteer staff will connect county-wide with senior citizens who are experiencing varying degrees of isolation in their homes. Seniors who are homebound, disabled or suffering from health issues are encouraged to sign up, along with those who simply lack nearby family members who can look in on them.-á

Initially, communication will start with a weekly or biweekly phone call and a monthly home visit. -á

"We're going to start small, and we're hoping to build it up into a more robust program down the road,GÇ¥ Huri said. "I'd love it if we could do gift baskets at Christmas and really get people connected to other services.GÇ¥

YANA has been implemented around the country in other communities and is similar in concept to that of a community paramedic. The goals are to work proactively to identify hazards in the home, keep seniors engaged on a social level and hopefully prevent emergencies before they occur. YANA will attempt to mitigate loneliness and increased risk of financial exploitation through scams. -á

"It's simply just showing up and spending some quality time with them,GÇ¥ Huri said. "We're going to be that local connection for them.GÇ¥

The telephone calls and home visits are set up for prearranged times. If the YANA participant fails to answer the phone or door during that prearranged time, the volunteer will seek contact with a neighbor or a family member.-á

"It's going to be a volunteer-run program so I have to give all the credit to the volunteers GÇô they're doing it for free,GÇ¥ Huri said. "They've been willing to take on a new challenge for us, and we really, really appreciate it.

YANA will employ the services of a social worker to address the more serious issues that are encountered, such as severe depression or hoarding, or medical issues that the officers are not equipped to deal with. -á

For more information on YANA or to sign up for the program, visit snohomishcountywa.gov/2993/You-Are-Not-Alone, or email: YANA@snoco.org.-á