The Marion Council on Aging has launched a new program to help seniors stay safe throughout the year.

Council on Aging Director Sue Schwager implemented the Marion Mailbox Sticker program four weeks ago after getting the idea from a conference held in Falmouth last summer.

“Different outreach techniques were discussed,” she said. “I thought this one should be instituted in town. It’s inexpensive and seemed like a really good idea.”

She noted this is the first program of its kind offered in the tri-town.

Interested seniors are provided with a sticker to place on the inside of their mailbox with instructions for the carrier to alert the Council on Aging if more than three days worth of mail accumulates.

If that happens, the mail carrier will call the council.

“This is just another tool that people can use,” Schwager said. “It doesn’t hurt to have another set of eyes watching out for you if you’re medically or physically compromised.”

After receiving a call from the post office, Schwager said outreach workers would be sent to the home to check on the resident or police may be dispatched to perform a wellness check. The council might also call friends of family of the resident.

The program is a collaboration between the Council on Aging and the Rochester Post Office, which handles Marion’s mail.

So far, four residents have signed up for the program, which is open to all.

“Anyone can sign up,” Schwager said, adding that people with health or mobility problems may also benefit from the program. “We’re trying to help any way we can. That’s what we’re all about.”

For more information on the Marion Mailbox Sticker Program, call the Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.