For the five million Americans suffering from dementia, going missing for even a short time can have grave consequences. That is why I have introduced the National Silver Alert Act to create a national program modeled on the Amber Alert to help locate missing seniors. Silver Alert will offer peace of mind to those in their golden years and to those who love them.

What is National Silver Alert?

Silver Alert is a public notification system triggered by the report of a missing senior that uses a wide array of media outlets—such as radio, television, and highway signs—to broadcast information about missing persons in order to aid in their return.

While Silver Alert programs have been implemented in a number of states, National Silver Alert will encourage interstate and regional coordination, fund technology improvements, and link states to resources and best practices. The success of the national Amber Alert System is the inspiration for National Silver Alert.
Does It Work?

Since its inception in Texas in September 2007, Silver Alert has been invoked 35 times. Thirty-two of the 35 missing seniors were located safely, and seven of those recoveries were directly attributable to the Silver Alert program.

In addition to Texas, Silver Alert programs have been successfully implemented in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Seniors do not go missing in just these states, however; the goal of National Silver Alert is to protect at-risk seniors in every state and every community in the country.
Who Will Manage It?

The National Silver Alert Act will create within the Department of Justice the position of Silver Alert Coordinator, who will oversee the implementation of the Silver Alert System. The Coordinator will have powers similar to those of the Amber Alert Coordinator: to set voluntary guidelines and monitor state Silver Alert programs. The Silver Alert Coordinator will consult with such agencies as the Federal Communication Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the Administration on Aging to develop best practices for Silver Alert programs.

Who Supports It?

The National Silver Alert Act enjoys bipartisan support in Congress and has been endorsed by groups including the Texas Silver Haired Legislature, Elder Justice Coalition, National Silver Haired Congress, Child Alert Foundation, National Citizen’s Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, and Assisted Living Federation of America.
Contact Me
Readers who wish to write me about the National Silver Alert Act or other federal issues can send a message by mail to 300 E. 8th Street, Suite 763, Austin, TX 78701, by e-mail to lloyd.doggett@mail.house.gov, or through my website at www.house.gov/doggett.
U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett is currently serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives. He is a senior member of the Ways and Means, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees. He and his wife Libby have two daughters—one a physician and one a teacher, and two granddaughters.