News Release: 8/10/2026

Michigan’s Silver Alert Becomes Law: A Win for Michigan’s Older Adults
Friendship Centers of Emmet County is proud to celebrate the signing of Michigan’s new Silver Alert law, 
marking a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable adults and supporting the families who care for 
them.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently singed Senate Bill 456 into law, establishing a statewide Silver Alert 
program to help locate missing vulnerable adults, including many older adults living with Alzheimer’s, 
dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The program will allow law enforcement, media partners, 
transportation agencies, and the pubic to work together quickly when a vulnerable adult is reported missing, 
because every minute matters.
This legislation holds special meaning for Friendship Centers. Following the disappearance of Emmet County 
resident David Moffett, our organization became a strong advocate for creating a statewide Silver Alert 
system. Although David was never found, his case highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated response to 
help locate vulnerable adults before tragedy occurs.
As part of that effort, Executive Director Denneen Smith traveled to Lansing to meet with legislators, 
advocate for the legislation, and share the perspective of older adults and caregivers in Northern Michigan. 
Smith also testified before both the Michigan House and Senate committees as the bill advanced through the 
legislative process.
The successful passage of the legislation reflects the bipartisan commitment of lawmakers who recognized 
the importance of protecting Michigan’s aging population. Friendship Centers extends its sincere 
appreciation to Senator Mallory McMorrow, Representative Gina Johnsen, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, law 
enforcement agencies, advocacy organizations, and everyone who helped make this important legislation a 
reality.
While no law can erase the heartbreak experienced by families whose loved ones go missing, Michigan’s new 
Silver Alert program provides another critical tool to help bring vulnerable adults home safely.
At Friendship Centers, our mission is to ensure that older adults have the opportunities, information, and 
services they need to live healthy, safe, and active lives with dignity. We are honored to have played a small 
part in this important achievement and look forward to the positive impact this new law will have on families 
across Michigan.
To mark this historic achievement, Friendship Centers will host a Silver Alert Celebration in October. The 
event will recognize the collaborative efforts of legislators, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, 
families, and community members whose dedication helped bring this important legislation to fruition. We 
look forward to celebrating this milestone with our community and will share event details in the coming 
weeks.