The National Safety Council reports that over 5 million accidents occur in the United States each year, with 43% of those resulting in injuries. Many emergency calls would be made smoother if the injured or ill person was in possession of an Emergency Health Information Card. In an effort to promote and encourage general health and medical self advocacy through the means of Emergency Health Information Cards, the Washington County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, alongside the Lincoln Trail Area Homemaker President, presented the program, Handy to Have: Emergency Health Information Cards in multiple Lincoln Trail Area counties.   The goal of the program is to increase use of Emergency Health Information Cards among adults, leading to better health outcomes in emergencies.

Thirty-two total individuals participated in the program in Washington, Nelson, Hardin, Meade, Grayson, and Breckinridge Counties.  As a result of the program, 100% of participants reported an ability to describe information that should and should not be included on an EHI Card.  100% reported plans to fill out and use an EHI Card for themselves and their dependents (if applicable), and 100% plan to share this information and/or EHI card template with others who could benefit from it.

When asked the most significant thing from the program that a participant will apply to life, one person reported, “I will be able to take this to the groups with which I am involved and reach many other people.  I plan to share with everyone I know.”  The Emergency Health Information Cards will continue to be promoted among Extension Homemakers throughout Kentucky.