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the yellow dot and blue envelope programs
Two vital programs available to many Mainers can greatly improve our safety. The Blue Envelope and the Yellow Dot programs both serve to improve communication between citizens and public safety personnel. The Yellow Dot helps first responders provide life-saving medical attention during that first “golden hour” after a crash or other emergency. A Yellow Dot in the driver’s-side rear window of your vehicle will alert first responders that vital medical information is stored in the glove compartment. The Blue Envelope gives drivers with special needs, including people experiencing cognitive changes, a single location to hold vehicle registration and insurance that will be needed if they are involved in a traffic stop by law enforcement. Both programs are free so please help us get word out about them!
The Yellow Dot Saves Lives! And It's FREE!
Yellow Dot Logo
In an emergency, first responders need all the personal health information they can get, so that they may help victims in the best ways possible. Pre-existing medical conditions are usually not immediately apparent: heart disease, kidney disease and pulmonary disease, for instance, show few outward signs. After an injury-causing accident, the knowledge of these conditions can help direct emergency intervention for the best possible outcomes.
The Yellow Dot program enables them to immediately identify and locate that information for the occupants of a vehicle involved in an accident.
YellowDotForm.pdfHow does it work?
People Plus in Brunswick tells us this: A Yellow Dot sticker is affixed to the driver’s-side rear window. It alerts first responders that personal medical information is stored in the glove compartment.
The directions for users are simple.
Complete both sides of the personal information card as fully as possible, in pencil. Attach a recent photo of yourself and place the card in a visible location in your glove compartment.
Complete one card for each person who regularly occupies the vehicle.
Update the card annually yourself or bring it to your annual medical check-up. If you sell your car, remove the Yellow Dot sticker.
For more information:
People Plus by email (click here),
You can download the Yellow Dot registration form here
207-729-0757
PO Box 766, I35 Union St, Brunswick, ME 04011
Blue Envelope
Inspired by a conversation she had with a law enforcement officer on the other side of the county, Erica Koch has worked tirelessly to promote the Blue Envelope project.
This project, first used in Connecticut, gives drivers with social, emotional or physical limitations the ability to share their unique conditions with law enforcement officers, if they are stopped for a traffic violation. They may also help drivers with mild cognitive impairment.
Erica, who works with the Down Syndrome Advocacy Project of Maine (DSAP) asking with the DSAP leadership, began reaching out to police departments and other law enforcement agencies throughout Maine. The idea was quickly accepted and the word spread. According to Erica, an article about the program, as it was being used in Topsham, was published in the local news and others quickly joined.
At last count, 46 police departments, 5 county sheriff’s offices, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (13 branches) participate. There is no charge for the envelopes and drivers may obtain one easily – just ask.
So, how does it work?
The Blue Envelope Program works by allowing an individual to display the Blue Envelope logo or present a Blue Envelope upon contact with law enforcement or other community service personnel. By presenting this to the officer, it will identify if the driver as verbal or non-verbal. The envelope also gives suggestions for the driver such as reminding them to keep their hands visible, warning that a flashlight may be shined into the vehicle, that there may be flashing lights, and they may hear a police radio.
The Blue Envelope, stored in the glove compartment, may include driver identification, emergency contact information, registration and proof of insurance. Each is unique and should be tailored to meet individual circumstances.
The other side of the envelope tells the officer that the driver may be anxious because of the flashing lights and police radio. It lets the officer know that the driver may exhibit repetitive body movements or fidgeting and may have unusual eye contact. It suggests that they speak clearly and keep things simple.
The Blue Envelope Program does not require registration. it is voluntary and self-implemented. It is also FREE. Funding support is provided by the DSAP. Donations are always needed and always welcomed.
Currently, Erica said that they are working to expand the program into health care agencies.
For more information, please contact Erica Koch at ekoch@dsapmaine.org.
Blue Envelope Form