“If disaster suddenly struck, would you know if your elderly or handicapped neighbor needed help? Would you?" The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Kay County (RSVP), a United Way Agency, is partnering with the Ponca City Police Department and Helpline in the development of a new program for Kay County called “Partners in Awareness.” The program is designed to help prepare for an uncertain tomorrow.

The goal of this program is to help emergency personnel identify those individuals in Kay County who would be most at risk during an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.  Although emergency services do exist to provide help, it is essential to be able to identify individuals with special needs, such as difficulties with mobility, hearing or vision.  Many seniors living alone with health concerns may feel that they could benefit from being a part of this program. Loretta Lawson, PIA Coordinator and Rocky Hudson, Director of RSVP are coordinating the program, with the help of RSVP volunteers, and in conjunction with various city, county, and human service organizations.  The program involves identifying  “at risk” citizens and the obtaining of information from those individuals who wish to participate in the program.  The information obtained is completely voluntary and will be kept strictly confidential.

Those individuals with special needs interested in providing information for the program can request an enrollment  form by calling The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at 580-762-9412 or Helpline at 580-765-5551.The completed form can then be mailed to the Ponca City Police Department, 200 E. Oklahoma, Ponca City, OK 74601, where it will be kept on file so that emergency responders would be able to access the information in the event of an emergency.