Highland Township Offers Free Vial of Life Kits
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 23, 2023)
Highland, MI – When emergencies happen- first responders don’t generally know all that much about the people they are tasked with helping – particularly important information like medical needs.
That’s why Vial of Life was started, and why the Highland Township Fire Department is offering free Vial of Life kits to community members. The kits come with stickers for a home’s front door, a magnet for the fridge, and a form for filling out important medical information, as well as contact info for relatives. The form is placed inside the door of the refrigerator – where it is unlikely to be lost, and more likely to remain safe in the event of a fire. An old prescription bottle can be used, or a clear plastic bag. Either way the sticker helps make it noticeable.
“The program started in the 90’s as a way for folks to help care for themselves in times where they cannot communicate,” said Highland Activities Center Director Heidi Bey. The kits are available at the Activity Center in partnership with the Fire Department. “It helps in situations such as strokes, diabetic episodes & syncopal episodes. We recommend folks get a copy [of prescriptions] from their pharmacist and put it in the vial to be placed in your fridge. In addition, we suggest having a copy in their wallets & glove boxes. All areas should be marked with the stickers or magnets provided.”
Vials can be kept in the fridge, or also in glove boxes, purses, and wallets – with a red sticker letting first responders know it’s there.
Anyone can download the form from the Vial of Life website, and order low-cost kits online. Highland residents can get them at no cost at the Activity Center, which is located at 209 N. John St., Highland Michigan 48357. For questions, contact the Highland Activity Center at 248-887-1707.
