The City of Albuquerque recently announced that thousands of "Vial of L.I.F.E" kits have been prepared by volunteers and will be distributed to seniors in the area. The kits were assembled by 50 volunteers from the Department of Senior Affairs' AmeriCorps Seniors program as part of their 9/11 National Day of Service initiative. The kits include a sticker, magnet, and a medical information form, and are intended to benefit clients of the Department of Senior Affairs' home delivered meals and senior services programs.
The sticker included in the kit is designed to notify first responders of a resident's enrollment in the Vial of L.I.F.E program when placed on the home's front door or window. The medical information form is attached to the resident's refrigerator using the magnet. These kits will also be available at all eight City of Albuquerque senior and multigenerational centers.
Anna Sanchez, Director of Senior Affairs, expressed the importance of protecting the health and safety of Albuquerque residents as they age and the added peace of mind that these kits provide. The Department of Senior Affairs has partnered with Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) to promote broader participation in the Vial of L.I.F.E program. This national initiative aims to provide paramedics with easy access to a patient's medical history during emergencies, ultimately saving valuable time when every second counts.
AFR Lt. Athena Valerio-Hirschfeld emphasized that the Vial of L.I.F.E program helps decrease stress for both seniors and first responders during medical emergencies. By having access to a patient's medical situation, emergency responders can better understand the necessary steps to take, ultimately improving the quality and efficiency of care.
Overall, the preparation and distribution of these thousands of Vial of L.I.F.E kits demonstrate the City of Albuquerque's commitment to the health and safety of its senior residents. With the support of volunteers and partnerships with organizations like AFR, the city is taking proactive steps to ensure that seniors receive the necessary care and attention during emergencies.
