For Immediate Release
August 2, 2010
Clarkstown Launches File of Life
New Program For
Seniors and Residents with Health Issues
(New City, NY) – Clarkstown Town
Supervisor Alex Gromack, Councilman George Hoehmann, and the Town Board are
launching a new program designed to provide first responders critical medical
information about residents during emergency calls. The program called
the ‘File of Life’ will be introduced to residents at the Congers I Senior
Club, at the Congers Community Center, 6 Gilchrest Road on August 4th
at 1pm.
The ‘File of Life’ is a card
developed by the not for profit group File of Life Foundation. It
contains vital personal medical information and is kept on the outside of the
resident’s refrigerator in a bright red magnetic pocket, readily accessible to
emergency service personnel when they arrive on an emergency call. The
medical card lists the resident’s emergency medical contacts, health
conditions, medications taken, allergies, recent surgeries and more. A
decal is placed on the outside door of the home to notify arriving emergency
services to look for the medical card inside.
“The Town of Clarkstown is home
to many vulnerable populations, including the elderly and infirm, who may live
alone or may have limited time with care takers,” said Supervisor Alex Gromack.
“The File of Life provides emergency personnel the ability to see pertinent
medical information to ensure proper emergency treatment.”
The Town will distribute File of
Life cards at all 12 senior clubs over the next few months. Other
residents interested in picking up cards may do so at the Town Council Chambers
or Supervisor’s Office on the third floor of Town Hall, located at 10 Maple
Avenue, New City.
“The Town Board and I are
committed to promoting programs to our residents that save lives,” said
Councilman George Hoehmann. “It is important for emergency service
volunteers to have quick access to a resident’s health problems, allergies,
medications, and emergency contacts. This simple tool provides for that
security for our residents.”
Residents are responsible for
keeping the medical information on the card up to date and clearly visible on
their refrigerator.
For more information on this or
any other Town program, please go to www.town.clarkstown.ny.us.
Media and photographers are
encouraged to attend this event.
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