White Plains Adopts Yellow Dot Program

• Editor's Note: What follows is user-generated news. If you would like to post your news to Patch, for detailed instructions. The following notice was derived from a press release from the City of White Plains.

Mayor Thomas M. Roach along with Public Safety Commissioner David Chong today announced the initiation of a new Public Safety program which was designed to assist senior citizens and others during automobile accidents or other medical emergencies when they might not be able to communicate for themselves.

Sponsored by the City of White Plains Department of Public Safety, the Yellow Dot Program is a FREE service available to individuals of all ages. The “Yellow Dot” Program provides detailed medical information that can be crucial following a motor vehicle crash. The program was recently brought to the attention of the Department by Councilman John Martin and was determined to be an excellent initiative which offers a great benefit to our community.

Participants of the program will receive a “Yellow Dot” decal, a “Yellow Dot” folder and an information form with the participant’s name, an identifying photo, emergency contact information, personal physician’s information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and medications being used.

A “Yellow Dot” decal on the driver’s side rear window of a vehicle alerts first responders to check in the glove compartment for the corresponding “Yellow Dot” folder. Having this information following a crash helps first responders positively identify the person, get in touch with family or emergency contacts and ensures that the person’s current medications and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when treatment is administered for injuries.

“We are excited to get this program underway,” stated Mayor Thomas Roach, “Yellow Dot will give our first responders instant access to vital medical information and allow them to immediately focus on saving lives.”

Council John Martin, who brought this program to the attention of City officials said, “After learning about the Yellow Dot program I immediately recognized its value to the City of White Plains. The highly visible yellow dot will become an instantly recognizable symbol helping first responders do their jobs more effectively.”

“We encourage every resident who knows of someone who may benefit from this program to please assist them in registering,” Stated Public Safety Commissioner David Chong. “It may just be the advantage our first responders need during a critical incident.”

Individuals wishing to participate in the Yellow Dot Program can sign up at the Data Management Unit office between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Data Management Unit office is located on the main floor of the Public Safety Building at 77 So. Lexington Avenue. Participants are asked to provide a recent passport type photo when registering. Yellow Dot program information will also be available at City Hall and the Senior Center.

Please visit the City of White Plains Department of Public Safety at www.wppublicsafety.com for updates about this new program.

Like us on  Facebook  (facebook.com/WhitePlainsPatch) and follow us on  Twitter (twitter.com/WhtPlainsPatch)