Saving lives. That’s the primary goal of Western Baptist Hospital’s Lifeline program. And for more than 15 years, coordinator Mike Smalley has seen the program do just that.

“Since starting the program in 1987, I’ve seen Lifeline grow from 35 subscribers to more than 500 today,” says Smalley.

Lifeline is a personal emergency response system designed for home use. Lifeline makes certain help is available at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day. Supported by the Auxiliary at Western Baptist Hospital, Lifeline enables elderly or disabled persons who are often alone, but wish to remain independent, to continue to live life the way they are most comfortable—at home—with a welcomed sense of security.

Lifeline subscribers wear a small, wireless “HELP” button around their necks, on their wrists, or clipped to their clothing. Because the button is completely waterproof, it can even be worn in the shower or bath. “When a subscriber needs assistance, he or she pushes the HELP button, which automatically dials Western Baptist Hospital’s Emergency Response Center,” explains Smalley.

At the Emergency Response Center, a trained staff member immediately tries to contact the subscriber by telephone to learn what help is needed. A previously identified responder, such as a friend, relative, or neighbor, is then contacted to help. If the subscriber cannot be reached by telephone, an emergency unit is sent.

Western Baptist Hospital’s Lifeline program serves a 35 to 50 mile radius around the hospital, including areas in northwest Tennessee, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky. A one-time installation fee is waived for members of Western Baptist Hospital’s 55Plus® program. Monthly fees for the service vary in cost, depending upon the type of unit installed. To learn more, contact the Lifeline office at 270-575-2779.