Macomb County, Mich., Giving Seniors Free Cell Phones

The Macomb County Department of Senior Citizen Services has 9-1-1 cell phones available for Macomb County seniors, age 60 and older, who wish to have an emergency cell phone that will only dial 9-1-1.

"Having a 9-1-1 cell phone available allows seniors quick access to help in emergency situations," said Karen Bisdorf, interim director of Senior Citizen Services.

Inactive cell phones that are in good working order and have chargers are donated to the department. The phones are then redistributed to seniors who need them. Since the beginning of the program, more than 7,300 cell phones have been redistributed to senior citizens, and many have been used to report emergencies and help save lives. If you are interested in receiving a cell phone or donating unused cell phones, please call 586-469-6313.

The Macomb County Department of Senior Citizen Services is sponsored by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and receives county funds for all services. Funding for the department also comes from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, the state of Michigan, the Older American Act and the Family Independence Agency.