Stearns County law enforcement agencies are the latest in Minnesota to launch a program to alert first responders when they could be helping people who have difficulty with communication. The stickers also provide quick information about disabilities and chronic health conditions. 

Many other Minnesota cities and counties already have the program. 

The new program, launched by the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and Police Chiefs Association, makes color-coded stickers available for placement on front doors and windows to inform all first responders of peoples’ disabilities right away. 

Stickers are available to signal the presence of people with autism, brain injuries, PTSD; people with diabetes; people affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia; and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The goal is for police, fire and emergency medical services to be prepared to alter their response techniques.

 The stickers are free and available at the sheriff’s office in St. Cloud and all police agencies within Stearns County. Stickers can also be obtained at some public events. 

(Source: Stearns County)