Carleton Place Library helping residents stay safe with ‘Vial of Life’ program

The Carleton Place Public Library (CPPL) is joining local partners in helping residents prepare for emergencies with a simple but potentially life-saving initiative — the Vial of Life program.

The Vial of Life program provides local residents with a small kit designed to store vital medical information for use by first responders in the event of an emergency. According to the library, the free kits include an empty medication vial, medical information forms, a refrigerator magnet, and a door sticker to alert emergency personnel to its location.

Participants fill out the form with important health details — such as medications, allergies, and emergency contacts — then place it inside the vial, which is stored on the top shelf of the refrigerator door. The corresponding stickers and magnet signal to paramedics and firefighters where to find the vital information if the person is unable to communicate.

The program is a partnership between Carebridge Community Support, Lanark County, and United Way East Ontario and residents can pick up their free kit at the Carleton Place Public Library — no library card required. “The Vials are free and available for anyone in the community.” confirmed Meriah Caswell, CEO of the CPPL.

“Kits can be picked up at The Station Active Living Centre, the Carebridge Community Support offices, or any of the public libraries in Lanark County.”

For local seniors, individuals with medical conditions, or anyone living alone, the Vial of Life program can be a crucial link to faster, more effective emergency care.

“Doing what we can to support our community’s seniors and other vulnerable populations is important to our library,” said Caswell. “We are pleased to be able to provide local access to the Vials of Life.”