Georgia Volunteers Save Lives in Dementia Search Missions

When someone with dementia goes missing, every minute counts. In Georgia, a volunteer nonprofit is making sure no family faces that nightmare alone.

Georgia Emergency Search & Rescue assists police departments across the state when adults with dementia wander from home. Led by Angel Alonso, the team of neighbors, retired officers, and trained volunteers brings drones, search dogs, and ATVs to expand what police can do on their own.

The need is urgent. Georgia issued 69 Mattie's Calls in just the first four months of 2026 alone. These emergency alerts go out when someone with dementia, disabilities, or special needs goes missing.

Traditional search operations cost law enforcement up to $1,500 per hour. A single nine-hour search can drain $13,500 in taxpayer money. Alonso's nonprofit operates entirely on donations, saving communities tens of thousands per case.

"I can't put a price on a life," Alonso said. "God has put us in a good place to help others."

The Ripple Effect

The volunteer model is catching on as dementia cases rise nationwide. Beyond immediate searches, Georgia lawmakers expanded funding last year for a statewide dementia registry that helps responders locate missing individuals faster.

Medical professionals now add patients to the registry at diagnosis, giving police critical information before emergencies happen. The database includes photos, behavioral patterns, and favorite locations where the person might wander.

This combination of volunteer power and smart prevention is changing outcomes. Families get answers faster, and more people make it home safely.

Communities across Georgia now have a safety net they didn't have before.