The local Safe Community Committee of the Town of Minto (SCC) is about to launch the Vial of Life program in the municipality.
SCC chair Don Senek and community contact Todd Pridham of the Wellington County OPP attended the April 16 Minto council meeting to provide information on the program and other SCC activities.
The Vial of Life program allows individuals to have their complete medical information ready in their home for emergency personnel to reference during an emergency. This program is used to provide the patient’s medical information when a patient is not able to speak or remember the information. Senior citizens commonly use the programs, but the program can be used by anyone in need.
“There is a fridge magnet that you put on your fridge to show your medical information is in the top shelf of your fridge door,” Senek explained.
Information contained in the vial includes a patient’s name, date of birth, OHIP number, doctor’s name and phone number, list of any allergies and health history.
Senek said the local committee is also asking participants to provide contact information to be maintained in a database so program operators can contact them and assist in updating information on an annual basis. The program originated in Sacramento, California in the early 1980’s and was eventually adopted by the American Red Cross. It was introduced to Wellington County by the COPS Committee in Puslinch about 10 years ago and has since also been introduced to Guelph and Wellington County by Emergency Management Services (EMS).
“We are very excited about bringing Vial of LIfe to the citizens of the Town of Minto and we strongly encourage everyone to participate in this worthwhile program,” Senek stated.
“I think it’s a great idea,” commented Mayor George Bridge.
In Minto, the Vial of Life packages may be obtained from Acheson Pharmacy in Harriston, The Prescription Shoppe in Palmerston or by calling John Booth at 519-510-3828, Senek at 519-327-4411 or Pridham at 519-338-5518.
Pridham gave council an update on the committee since it was established in May of 2010.
A “Lock it or Lose it” program was among the first initiatives undertaken by the committee, which involved police checking cars parked in driveways and leaving a reminder note if they were found unlocked.
Pridham said the program revealed many were leaving valuables, including purses and wallets, in plain sight in unlocked vehicles.
“You’d be amazed at the stuff we found — anything and everything,” said Pridham, noting the program eventually resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in unlocked vehicles and a noticeable reduction in thefts from automobiles.
In 2011, in response to a survey of Grade 4-12 students from Minto schools, the committee began hosting regular youth dances, which have proven very popular, drawing between 130 and 150 young people per event. Pridham noted last Feburary’s Valentine’s dance drew an record attendance of 185 youngsters.
The committee also launched a Road Watch program in 2012. The road safety program allows citizens to report aggressive or dangerous driving, after the fact, to the police. Citizens can provide the information online or fill out a form and drop it off at the libraries in Clifford or Palmerston and Anderson’s MTO office in Harriston. Warning letters are sent to the vehicle owners and repeat occurrences result in a call or visit from the OPP. The committee has also hosted bike rodeos, donated to all three Minto food banks and worked with Safe Communities Wellington on projects to enhance the safety of county residents.
Pridham noted the committee generates its own funding for community projects.
“We’re not here to ask for any money. We pride ourselves on being self-sufficient financially,” he explained.
The committee is currently planning to host Minto Safety Days on May 31 and June 1. A bike rodeo will be held for students in Grades 4-6 and other safety programs will be offered in conjunction with the Minto Fire Department and the OPP.
