MARYLAND News (5/18/2024) – Maryland is set to launch a new alert system to help locate missing individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities or brain injuries. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law on Thursday, and it will take effect on October 1. The Purple Alert system is designed to fill the gap in current alert systems, which do not cover individuals who fall outside the age ranges of Amber or Silver Alerts.
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The importance of this new system was underscored by the case of Rashawn Williams, a 31-year-old with severe Down syndrome who went missing for nearly a week last year. His family was frustrated that no alert was issued because he did not meet the criteria for existing alerts. They testified at a Senate hearing in February, sharing their distressing experience and highlighting the need for a specialized alert system.
The Purple Alert will notify the public via various channels, including text messages, emails, and broadcasts on television and radio, similar to the Amber Alert system. This immediate dissemination of information is crucial for quickly locating and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Maryland joins Florida in implementing the Purple Alert system, with Mississippi also considering similar legislation. The system’s introduction is a critical step in protecting individuals with specific needs and ensuring no family endures the same ordeal as the Williams family.
Article by “BB” Boring, Hagerstown, MD
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