The problem 

In Calloway County, Ky the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agent recognized the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in ensuring that vital health information is readily accessible during critical moments.  With this vision in mind, a training initiative was launched to educate homemakers about the significance of Emergency Health Information (EHI) cards.  

The educational program response 

The initiative aimed to equip homemakers with the knowledge and skills to create comprehensive EHI cards containing essential medical information.  These cards, designed to be carried by individuals at all times, serve as invaluable resources for healthcare providers during emergencies enabling swift and informed decision-making.

The participants/target audience 

 The targeted audience is the Calloway County Homemakers, their families, friends, and colleagues.

Other partners (if applicable) 

 Local Churches, civic groups

Program impact or participant response. 

The training program commenced with Homemakers from counties in the West 1 area participating in interactive sessions.  Through discussions and informative presentations, participants learned what components should and should not be included on their EHI cards.

Before the training, a survey completed by 92 of the Homemakers revealed that only 46% of participants felt they had a good to excellent understanding of the information required and not required on an EHI card.  Homemakers also reported at 19% knew where to keep the EHI card. Following the completion of the training program, a remarkable transformation was evident.

• 95% of participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding, expressing confidence in their ability to create thorough and accurate EHI cards
• 98% of the participants plan on completing and using the EHI cards for themself and their families
• 96% reported to know where to put copies of the EHI cards.

Gloria Beadles is shown in photo above talking about a seminar presented by Lois Pressgrove about the importance of the EHI card.   

Two Homemakers have requested the resources to present this program at their respective churches. Through collective action and education, these endeavors continue to empower individuals, families and communities to prioritize their health and safety, one EHI card at a time. 

The two Homemakers who had requested resources and information to share with their church groups have completed the training of others. A total of 31 more participants were trained on the EHI cards