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Politics & Government

File of L.I.F.E. for Evanston Residents

The City of Evanston’s File of L.I.F.E. program allows a resident to communicate with emergency responders even if they are unresponsive. The File of L.I.F.E., a plastic pouch with a bright red sticker, contains an information sheet for residents to indicate their medical history, prescriptions, allergies and emergency contacts. This pouch is placed inside the individual’s freezer where emergency response personnel have been trained to look when responding to medical emergencies. Other important information may be placed in the pouch: power of attorney, living will, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) documentation, etc.

This is a free community program that will educate residents about the importance of maintaining their own up-to-date medication and allergy lists—and taking steps to make them easily accessible in case of an emergency. It is essential that seniors and the disabled population maintains their medical information and makes it accessible in case of an emergency.

There will be kickoff for this program on Wednesday August 31 at 1:00pm at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster in Evanston, IL.

The free File of L.I.F.E. pouches can be picked up at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Avenue or any of Evanston’s five Fire Stations. The File of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) is a nationally-recognized program. This program is sponsored by the Evanston Police & Fire Foundation.

If you would like more information, please call 3-1-1 (or 847-448-4311) 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak with a customer service representative.

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