On November 19th, The Alliance for Safe Kids, Inc. (ASK) along with Chief Robert Noble of the Yorktown Police Department unveiled a technologically advanced way for police officers to share vital resources with those in need. This comes in the form of a palm card with a QR code that, once scanned using a smartphone’s camera, will lead users to resources focused on topics from mental health and addiction to domestic violence and scams. A link to the ASK Community Resource Guide is also available via the QR code.
The conjoined effort began over the summer when a group of ASK interns led by longtime volunteer, Kyra Brunner, decided that a QR code linked to an editable document would be the best medium for these important resources. This allows ASK and the YPD to update information as more resources and data becomes available.
“ASK works to strengthen the community safety net that supports a positive lifestyle by sharing resources to promote Youth Mental Health, Prevention of Substance Abuse and Opportunities for Thoughtful Service. Working with student volunteers, ranging from high school to graduate school, along with the Yorktown Police Department to produce the perfect vehicle to connect the community to resources exemplifies what ASK does,” said Liz Talbert, Executive Director at ASK.
The palm cards were announced at this week’s Town Board meeting and received unwavering support from the Board and residents alike. Ideas began flowing of other places the QR code can be placed to make sure these resources are widely available across the community.
Yorktown Police officers are excited about the palm cards since many times they find themselves responding to a call that is a stressful situation and may not be the best time to share resources. By leaving the palm card, a distressed individual will be able to get the resources they need at a time that is more convenient for them.
Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble said, “The Alliance for Safe Kids continues to be a strong community partner with the Yorktown Police Department. Their tireless dedication attempting to provide our youth with the information and skills needed to make healthy decisions, while emphasizing the need for families to be informed and stay involved, is of great value to our Town. Our most recent collaboration was the development of a QR Palm Card that enables countless local and national resources to be available to those in need in a matter of minutes. ASK truly makes a positive difference in the Town of Yorktown, and the Yorktown Police Department is proud of our partnership with ASK.”
Please contact Liz Talbert at liz@allianceforsafekids.org for more information about this initiative and to find out how you may get involved with ASK.