The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is launching a new effort to improve how communities respond when a person with autism goes missing.

It will create a nationwide alert for missing people with autism.

The National Autism Missing and Endangered Person Alert Initiative will bring together emergency management agencies, law enforcement, first responders and community organizations to improve how cases are handled.

HHS also plans to develop national best practices to help prevent some of the most serious risks associated with wandering including drowning.

For families, having a quick and coordinated response can make a big difference when someone goes missing.

Rhode Island is already ahead of the curve. Last year, the state passed legislation establishing a Purple Alert system to help find missing people with physical or cognitive disabilities. Rhode Island is one of 17 states that have taken action on a Purple Alert or similar system.

HHS plans to work with multiple other federal agencies to create an alert. There is currently no timeline for a national rollout.