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News & Events
Vial
of Life
canisters now available
“Care provided by first responders
is a critical link in the Chain of Survival by providing
a rapid response to medical emergencies. This fact has made
the difference between life or death, countless times”.
In response to the increasing senior
population within our service area the Upper Arkansas Area
Agency on Aging has developed a program we believe will
assist first responders and emergency medical services personnel.
The Upper Arkansas Area Agency on
Aging is distributing Vial of Life canisters to seniors
(60 years of age & older) in Lake, Chaffee, Custer &
Fremont Counties free of charge. Vials will contain the
following:
• Instructions on how to complete
the Medical Information Sheet.
• The Medical Information Sheet
that lists patient’s medical illnesses, conditions,
medication(s), insurance and emergency contact information.
• Window sticker to alert medical
personnel of the presence of a Vial of Life on the premises.
To obtain a free Vial of Life or
for more information on this or other programs and services
provided by the Upper Arkansas Council of Governments/Area
Agency on Aging call toll free 1-877-610-3341.
Seniors
60 Years and Older Urged to Take Steps to Avoid West Nile
Virus
 National
Public Health Week is April 1-7. This year’s theme
is “Fight the Bite—Join the ‘Swat Team’
Against West Nile virus.”
West Nile virus is a disease
that is spread by migrating birds and mosquitoes. Although
most people do not become ill, individuals 50 years of age
and older can be hit particularly hard and are more likely
to die from the disease.
Taking necessary precautions
to prevent contracting West Nile virus is key. As part of
this year’s public awareness campaign, prevention tips
are being provided to Coloradans by the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment to avoid getting the disease.
The most important tip is to limit outside activity around
dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are actively feeding.
Also, when going outside,
people should wear protective clothing, such as lightweight,
long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and should apply insect
repellant containing DEET to exposed skin.
For more information on obtaining
free repellant containing DEET (while supplies last), contact
the Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging at
aaareg13@amigo.net
or by phone toll free @ 1-877-610-3341
or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s
West Nile virus hotline at (303) 692-2700 or visit the website
at @
http://www.fightthebitecolorado.com/
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