Jill C. Lillie | ACAP Centre County and Altrusa International of Centre County
ACAP (Adult Children of Aging Parents) Centre County and Altrusa International of Centre County are excited to announce a new project partnership. We are joining forces, along with the non-profit Vial of Life Project to provide the Vial of Life to seniors in Centre County. According to the US Census Bureau there are approximately 22,000 seniors over the age of 65 currently residing in Centre County. Our goal is to offer a free Vial of Life packet to every senior household who wants one.
What is it? It is a form that includes your current medications and dosage, your current medical conditions, any allergies, your doctor’s name, health insurance information and an emergency contact. The form is kept in a plastic envelope on your refrigerator. Why is it important? It is especially helpful to EMTs who might be responding to someone who is too rattled to remember critical information or is unconscious. It could also be used by healthcare professionals at the hospital. Our EMT service indicates that Vial of Life has been around for quite some time; however, it is currently seen in very scattered areas. We would like to change that. How does it work? A Vial of Life decal is placed on the front door to indicate that Vial of Life information is available on the refrigerator. Another sticker is placed on the plastic envelope on the refrigerator that contains the information. EMTs then know to grab it along with the patient. Where can I get one? Packets may be obtained from all the Senior Citizen Centers, as well as from Meals on Wheels and Centre Life Link. This will be an ongoing process over a number of years.
Who are these partners sponsoring this project?
ACAP (Adult Children of Aging Parents) Centre County offers informative and timely monthly programs plus resources and community for those caring for their parents. We offer free monthly presentations featuring professionals representing everything from Elder Law to Medicare/Medicaid. These programs are held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm at the Best Western Plus University Park Inn and Suite, 115 Premier Drive, State College, PA Contact us at 877-599-ACAP or 814-321-1550; www.facebook.com/ACAP.centrecountypa
Altrusa of Centre County is an international service organization focused on making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide. We meet the third Wednesday of each month for dinner, a business meeting and a program. We focus on various service projects throughout the year including Jared Boxes, road cleanup and Vial of Life. If interested in joining, contact us at Altrusa International of Centre County, 210 W. Hamilton Avenue, #171, State College, PA 16801; altrusacentreco@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/AltrusaCentreCounty
First published in Centre Daily Times on October 24, 2018
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