Age Friendly Tucker: Yellow Dot Program Helps When You Need It

Age Friendly Tucker: Yellow Dot Program is There When You Need It

LOIS RICCI

The Yellow Dot Program, developed in Connecticut in 2002, was introduced in Georgia in 2017 by the Georgia Department of Public Health in partnership with the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. The free program is designed to provide first responders with important medical information for people involved in motor vehicle crashes, home medical emergencies and other medical emergency situations. Providing information on medical conditions, medications, or medical allergies helps medical professionals make the best decision about your emergency medical treatment.

A one-page medical information form, once completed by the participant, is stored inside a yellow folder and secured with a binder clip. A picture of the participant accompanies the information for easy identification. This package is placed in the vehicle glove compartment or on the refrigerator in the home. In addition, a sticker is placed on the back of the vehicle and on a home entry window or door; the displayed Yellow Dot lets first responders know that you have completed a personal information form and where they can find it.

Since the initiation of the program, Yellow Dot has been implemented in at least nine other states. Tucker Civic Association Lifelong Community Committee (TCALCC) was invited in May 2018 to pilot the Yellow Dot Program in Tucker, and the program was introduced at Tucker Day that year. Packets are available at Cofer Library, the Rec Center, and the Tucker Precinct office of the DeKalb County Police Department.

Guy Van Ort, a realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a longtime member of TCA, volunteers as the Yellow Dot lead contact, and endlessly promotes the program at every opportunity. Contact Guy at guyvanort@ kw.com or 404.626.6580; he will be happy to speak to a group or help get Yellow Dot packets to all Tucker residents. We want the Yellow Dot program to be like your insurance policy - something you hope you will never use, but there when you need it!

DR. LOIS RICCI is a longtime resident of Tucker, where she chairs the Tucker Civic Association Lifelong Community Committee. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches gerontology courses and the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Class. Ricci also serves as an official representative for American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), co-facilitator for the Rosalyn Carter CareNet, and on the board of the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging. Contact Dr. Ricci at loisricci@ bellsouth.net.