Many residents of the Kern River Valley may not be aware of a very valuable program that is available at no cost and provides an extremely important function for the welfare of seniors, shut-ins, and the disabled.  The purpose of this program is to insure that the participants are okay. RUOK is a service that had been in effect for several years and has saved lives and provided a feeling of security.

This program is a service of the CSU (Citizen Service Unit), an adjunct to the Kern County Sheriff’s Dept. that is made up of dedicated volunteers.  The concept is that each person is contacted by phone every morning, 365 days a year.  If the call is not answered, an additional call is repeated within fifteen minutes.  If still no answer, a neighbour is contacted to check on the individual and/or the hospital or a relative is called.  If no contact is obtained, a Sheriff’s Deputy is dispatched to the residence.

Anyone interested in this program for themselves or a relative is urged to contact the RUOK program at 760-549-2036 and an appointment will be set up for an interview. Again, this is a no-cost program, run by volunteers, and the only obligation is the request that the program be notified if a planned absence, doctor’s appointment, vacation, etc., will occur.  

Michael A. Turner

Captain, KRV, CSU