This past week, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department brought the Department’s Elderly ID program to seniors of ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development)– Boston.

More than one hundred seniors from ABCD’s Foster Grandparents program participated, sitting for photographs and preparing their vital information for Sheriff’s Department Deputy Abe Ayuso and Coordinator of External Affairs Sandy Zamor–Calixte.

The Elderly ID program was created by the Sheriff’s Department to provide Suffolk County Seniors with a concise and comprehensive identification card that can serve as an important aid to medical responders, should an emergency arise and the holder is unable to communicate. The ID cards include a photo of the cardholder, his or her name, address, blood type, and medical history, and the name and phone number of the cardholder’s physician and an emergency contact.

“We really appreciate the Sheriff’s Department coming out here today,” said Robyn Geranis, ABCD Site Coordinator. “We have about 155 foster grandparents who are all sixty and older, and any tools that exist to ensure their health and safety in the community are greatly welcomed.”

According to Geranis, the Foster Grandparents program integrates older, low–income residents, 55–years–of–age and older, into the neighborhoods of Boston and Quincy to enhance the growth and development of children. Over 165 seniors spend 20 hours per week with children in schools, hospitals, childcare centers, correctional institutions and homeless shelters.

To arrange for the Elderly ID program to visit your organization, please call Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Abe Ayuso at (617) 635–1100 ext. 3156.

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