Press Release: New Yellow Dot Program Intent on Saving Lives

New Yellow Dot Program Intent on Saving Lives

Moore County, NC -- The Rotary Club of the Sandhills and FirstHealth of the Carolinas are pleased to introduce the Yellow Dot Program for Moore County residents.  The program offers participants a way to provide vital information to First Responders, in the event of a vehicle crash or other roadside medical emergency, when they are unable to speak for themselves. 

The program is free and available to Moore County residents. The Yellow Dot Program will kick off at five fire departments on Tuesday, September 11, from 1 pm until 4 pm, where residents may sign up and receive their Yellow Dot materials.  Sign-ups will continue each week on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 1 pm until 4 pm.

Signing up is easy.  Participants will have their picture taken and complete an information form with medical and emergency contact information that will go in the glove compartment in a Yellow Dot folder.  They also will receive a Yellow Dot decal for the rear window of their vehicle.  The decal indicates the presence of the vital information in the glove compartment.

This not only can save response time but can saves lives.  Everyone in the family can benefit from the program, from kids through seniors.

The September 11 launch date was chosen by Moore County firefighters and other First Responders in remembrance of the fallen First Responders in the 9/11 attacks.

The Moore County Yellow Dot Program is a public service made possible through the efforts and cooperation of many organizations including the Moore County Fire Chief’s Association, Department of Public Safety, Sheriff’s Department, and Police Chiefs, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, MooreHealth, Rotary District 7690, Rotary Club of the Sandhills, the Moore County Leadership Institute, The Pilot, and Pinehurst Auto Mall.

The Yellow Dot Program is expanding across the nation and is now in 36 states.  Moore County is one of the first three counties in North Carolina to introduce the program.

The Fire Department locations for signing up, starting on September 11, are Aberdeen, Carthage, Pinehurst, Seven Lakes, and Southern Pines.  Additional Fire Stations are planned as sign-up locations as the Program grows.

Volunteers are needed to help with sign ups at the Fire Stations.  Volunteers will be trained and are asked to commit their time for two three-hour segments.  Residents wishing to volunteer can register their name at: YDvolunteer@yahoo.com. 

The Yellow Dot Program is seeking local organizations to host their own signup event at their own locations and times, starting in October.  The Yellow Dot Program will provide equipment, supplies, and training, as needed.  Contact: YDhost@yahoo.com.  

 …...  For more information on this free life-saving program, see above contact.

QUOTES –

David Fusco, Project Leader, Rotary Club of the Sandhills, Member of Board of Directors:

Rotary Club of the Sandhills saw the Yellow Dot Program emerging across the nation as a public safety program that can help many.   We encourage all residents – families, individuals, couples, kids through seniors – to take advantage of this free program.

Yellow Dot is Citizens and First Responders working together for Emergency Care.

Yellow Dot is for all residents, whether with special medical conditions, or none.  It is intended to assist those in a vehicle crash or other roadside emergency when they might not be able to speak for themselves.   

Our goal is to establish and grow the Yellow Dot Program as a permanent program dedicated to the health and safety of Moore County residents.

Our project to bring Yellow Dot to our community started early this year and has grown.  Our project team now represents a wide spectrum of Moore County organizations.  We are grateful to the project team for their hard work and commitment.

We are grateful to our benefactors and partners for their contributions.  The project is underway because of their generosity and support.

Our immediate need is for volunteers to help with signing up participants during the first few weeks, starting on September 11.

PICTURE of Yellow Dot Information Sheet, Folder, and Decal: