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Canton, Cherokee County, Ga. September 18, 2003 On September 14, 2003, one of the "Are You Okay?" subscribers did not sound normal to Sheriff's Office employee Rochelle Nordby, when she answered her daily call. Because the subscriber did not sound like herself, Rochelle took the initiative to call the residence to make sure everything was okay at the residence. Once Rochelle reached the subscriber she discovered that the subscriber was incoherent and disoriented. Rochelle decided not to risk the well being of the subscriber and called Cherokee 911 for medical assistance to respond to the residence. While waiting for the medical assistance to arrive at the residence, Rochelle kept the subscriber on the telephone line and gave them encouragement. After medical assistance arrived and transported the subscriber to the hospital for medical attention, Rochelle contacted the family and advised them of the hospital their family member was transported. "Because of Rochelle's actions and attentiveness to the "Are You Okay?" program, a life most likely was saved, said Sheriff Garrison"
The "Are you Okay?" program is designed to automatically make a phone call each day of the week at a specific time chosen by the participants who are eligible for the program to ensure their safety. If the participant does not answer the phone, a Cherokee County Deputy will automatically be dispatched to that residence. If the participant does answer the phone, they will hear a recorded message wishing them a good day. The program offers reassurance to families that do not live in the area of the participant that a consistent contact is made to their family member who is disabled. The Are You Okay program is a joint partnership program between the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Kennestone WellStar Hospital.
If you are interested in participating in this program, or know a family member or neighbor that would benefit from this service, please contact Andrea Chadwick with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at 678-493-4200.
