I extend my sincerest thanks to the Bristol Rotary Charities Foundation for its continued financial support of Bristol’s Emergency Dialer program. In 2020, 97 emergency calls were made using the dialer system.

Out of respect for privacy, I do not know the exact nature of each call, but these numbers translate to a potential of 97 lives that may have been saved in 2020 alone thanks to this service.

It is important to note that the Emergency Dialer service is free of cost to any Bristol resident in need, regardless of financial status. However, it costs about $96 per unit to purchase the equipment. That cost has been supported in the past by private donations, and from organizations such as the Bristol Rotary Charities Foundation, the Roger Williams University Fund for Civic Activity, and the Bristol Town Council.

Donations to this life-saving program will enable the elderly and disabled of our community to continue to live in their own homes with the assurance of receiving help in an emergency. If you wish to donate, please make your check payable to Bristol Rotary Charities Foundation (please write “EDP” on the memo line), 353 Spinnaker Lane, Bristol, RI, 02809. The foundation is a 501(c)3 charity, and donations are tax deductible.

I extend my thanks to past donors and to the Bristol Phoenix for highlighting this program. Also, I extend sincere thanks to the men and women of the Bristol Police, Fire and Rescue departments for their collaboration and endorsement of this effort.

Ed Carusi
Bristol

Mr. Carusi is director of Social Services and Welfare for the Town of Bristol.