ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) on Thursday announced the launch of a pilot program designed to help first responders provide appropriate life-saving treatment during the first hour after a medical emergency.

The Yellow Dot program is a project to help first responders understand important information about a patient’s medical history in the event of an emergency. A yellow, peach-shaped decal placed in the driver side rear window of a vehicle will alert first responders that vital medical information is stored in the glove compartment. The decal can also provide life-saving information to emergency personnel responding to in-home emergencies.

The Yellow Dot program will launch March 19 as a pilot program in Athens-Clarke and Laurens counties.

“No one wants to think about being in an accident or having a medical emergency but it can happen to anyone,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn Crittenden. “The Yellow Dot program can make sure Georgians, especially seniors and vulnerable adults, get the care they need during the critical period following an emergency.”

Georgia’s Yellow Dot Program is free and available to anyone. The medical information form in the Yellow Dot packet includes the participant’s name, photo, medical conditions, recent surgeries, current medications, allergies, emergency contact information and more. Local emergency personnel, Athens Regional Health System and St. Mary’s Health Care System have been trained to recognize the Yellow Dot information and use it to provide life-saving treatment.

The program is the result of a partnership between the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Alliant Georgia Medical Care Foundation.

“Having instant medical information available for first responders in the critical moments after a medical emergency or accident could help save lives, especially when someone can’t speak for themselves,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “We are excited to pilot this program in two counties in the hope of expanding it to all 159 Georgia counties.” 

The Georgia Yellow Dot program will kick off on March 19, 2016 at the Athens Senior Resources Network Annual Senior Expo and Health Fair at the Georgia Square Mall from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Attendees will be able to receive a Yellow Dot packet and ask questions about the program.

Yellow Dot packets will be available in the community beginning March 21 at the following locations:

Arbor Terrace of Athens
170 Marilyn Farmer Way
Athens, GA 30606
March 23rd, March 30th, April 6th, April 13th, April 27th, May 11th, May 25th, June 1st, June 15th, June 22nd
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Athens Community Council on Aging
135 Hoyt Street
Athens, GA 30601
Monday through Friday
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Bridgeway Hospice
1731 Meriweather Drive
Suite #101
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Tuesdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Talmage Terrace Lanier Gardens
801 Riverhill Drive
Athens, GA 30606
Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Thrive Assisted Living & Memory Care
1361 Jennings Mill Road
Suite # 411
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

New enrollment sites will be added as the program expands. To find out more about the program and learn where you can pick up a packet, visit http://aging.dhs.georgia.gov/yellow-dot-program. Agencies that would like to become an enrollment site, please email [email protected].