The City of Albuquerque recently announced that thousands of "Vial of L.I.F.E" kits have been prepared by volunteers to benefit seniors in the area. On September 7, 2023, 50 volunteers from the Department of Senior Affairs’ AmeriCorps Seniors program came together to assemble 2,500 kits, which will be distributed to seniors in Albuquerque. These kits are specifically intended for clients of the Department of Senior Affairs' home delivered meals and senior services programs.
The kits consist of a sticker, magnet, and a medical information form. The sticker is designed to notify first responders of a resident's enrollment in the Vial of L.I.F.E. program when placed on the front door or window of their home. The medical information form is then attached to the resident's refrigerator using the magnet. Additionally, these kits will be available at all eight City of Albuquerque senior and multigenerational centers.
According to Anna Sanchez, the Director of Senior Affairs, the goal of this initiative is to protect the health and safety of Albuquerque's aging population. By collaborating with Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) to implement the Vial of L.I.F.E. program, the Department of Senior Affairs aims to provide seniors and their families with added peace of mind. The program is part of a national initiative that aims to facilitate easy access to a patient's medical history for paramedics during emergencies.
AFR Lt. Athena Valerio-Hirschfeld highlighted the importance of the Vial of L.I.F.E. program in emergency situations. She stated that it helps decrease stress by allowing first responders to better understand a patient's medical situation, ultimately saving valuable time when every second counts. By promoting broader participation in the program, the Department of Senior Affairs and AFR are working together to enhance emergency response in Albuquerque.
