Gwinnett Daily Post

GAINESVILLE - Lifeline, an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, recently recognized volunteers who helped install and maintain personal emergency response systems for northeast Georgia residents.

The first Lifeline unit was installed Sept. 18, 1984. In 25 years, volunteers have installed 2,263 units, driven more than 275,000 miles and worked more than 30,000 hours, allowing physically disabled, medically at risk and older adults to continue living independently in their homes with the security of knowing they can quickly access help if they need it, according to a news release.

By pressing a lightweight, waterproof alert button worn around the neck or wrist, subscribers can signal the Lifeline call center, where trained staff can determine what kind of help is needed and call for it immediately, the news release states.

"The Lifeline volunteers continue to make an impact in our community every day," said Dianne Appling, Lifeline coordinator. "The quality of life would not be nearly as good for our subscribers and their caregivers without their service. ... Thank you, volunteers, for helping Lifeline be a success for 25 years."

Lifeline serves subscribers in Barrow, Forsyth, Hall and Jackson counties, as well as Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties.

For more information on how to become a Lifeline volunteer, call Lifeline at NGMC at 770-219-8899.