By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
May 1, 2001
Peepholes in doors, a computerized phone system to check on residents and newly posted address numbers for 911 services are just a few of the benefits Lauderdale County seniors hope to receive through the TRIAD program.
Senior citizens groups from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program to the Council on Aging and area hospital senior program coordinators met Monday to choose officers for a TRIAD advisory group, a part of SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Working Together).
TRIAD is a national anti-crime program. In Lauderdale County, it will be made of the American Association of Retired People, officers from the Meridian and Marion police departments and Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies.
The state-funded program is expected to net Lauderdale County senior citizens $16,000 over the next three years. The money, funneled through the Lauderdale County Chancery Clerk's office, can be used for virtually any form of senior education or protection.
Newly elected SALT president Genie Durden said members have already discussed putting door peepholes in senior's homes throughout the county. The money will also be spent on education programs to protect seniors from con artists.
Maj. Ward Calhoun of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department said TRIAD is significant to the county's senior citizens since aging people are more susceptible to crime.
TRIAD's grant application, to be written by officials of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, is expected to be submitted next month.
But more is needed if the program is to be successful and extend to every senior in the county, Durden said. TRIAD members are asking for donations and help from local businesses, industries and other organizations. Help can come in the form of materials, time or money.
Anyone interested in helping can call Genie Durden at 679-1564.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.