'RUOK' program to begin in Cochise County | News

Cochise County will begin implementing the ‘Are You Okay?’ program, in the next few weeks.

Former Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever first saw a demonstration for ‘RUOK’ while at a law enforcement conference, and thought the program would be a good idea for his county. 

By January 2010 CCSO began to gather information about the program, costs to purchase and implement it, as well as other pertinent information and get it out to the communities and business within the county. 

After gaining the funds needed through a funding drive, CCSO had the money to make the purchase of the computer and software to start the program.  The funds were collected thanks help from the Bisbee Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Sierra Vista. 

The Are You Okay Program is a way for those who are homebound, physically incapacitated, or otherwise unable to be in regular contact with someone to help in the event of an emergency. The program requires participants to sign up and provide basic personal information and a signed liability waiver to be added to the Sheriff’s Office subscriber list. Once a resident is added to the list, a telephone call will be made to them at their requested interval such as once a day, twice a week, etc. If there is no answer after several tries, then a Point of Contact will be requested to check on the subscriber. If there is no Point of Contact available, then a Law Enforcement Officer will be sent to check on the subscriber. This will mesh seamlessly with other local initiatives such as the Wellness Depot in Sierra Vista and Senior Centers throughout the county.

Ealier this week, Chief Deputy Rod Rothrock finalized the proposal and is committed to making ‘RUOK’ work for Cochise County.

The registration forms are available now by calling (520)432-9500, and by next week will be on the County Website.

Chief Deputy Rothrock said in a recent news release on the project, “I am both pleased and excited to be able to bring this program to the citizen’s of Cochise County. The RUOK program will benefit not only seniors who live alone, or who are left alone for long periods, it will also be of benefit for those with medical concerns or other special needs to serve as a means of verifying that person’s welfare. While not a cure-all, this program will go far to providing greater peace of mind for those who sign up for the program as well as for their family, friends, neighbors or care givers. This program is clearly a step in the right direction towards improving the quality of life for many of our citizens.”