911 Free Cell Phones for Seniors

The Lucas County Board of Commissioners and the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. are providing the 911 Cell Phones for Seniors Program.

The program is designed to benefit our environment by recycling old unused cell phones and provide valuable support for the safety of older adults. The recycled cell phones are capable of dialing 911 for assistance and serve as a support for seniors who may experience medical emergencies or find themselves victims of crime.

The program is designed to help older adults live safe and independent lives. Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop kicked off the program in partnership with the AOoA during February 2007. Since the inception of the program, 1,331 emergency phones have been distributed to Lucas County seniors. The program is able to accept any brand, make or model of cellular phone regardless of age. The phones do not need to be working or have all necessary parts. The phones are sent to a recycling facility where they are inspected, cleaned and the memory is erased. The phones are then returned to the Area Office on Aging to be distributed to seniors.

Individuals must be 60 years of age and above and reside in Lucas County to be eligible to receive a free 911 cell phone. They need to contact the Area Office on Aging at 419-382-7060 to register. The phone will only be usable for emergency 911 calls. It will not have active cellular service. Seniors will be notified when a recycled phone becomes available and will receive education on the operation of the phone. Please donate any and all cellular phones to be recycled for our seniors. Donation sites are located at all Lucas County Senior Centers, all Toledo Fire Stations, the Area Office on Aging office, and most Kroger store locations.