Red Envelope Program may help save lives in Loyalist Township

A new program may help Bath residents in the case of an emergency, all thanks to a simple, red envelope. The Red Envelope Program will provide information to first responders when an emergency situation occurs, Loyalist Township announced on Thursday, Jun. 15, 2023.

In a media release, the Township said it was approached by a member of the Loyalist Golf Club community, who provided samples of a similar program in the United States. The township agreed to deliver this program into the Bath area.

“We started out with 500 envelopes,” said Deputy Fire Chief James Feeney. “We gave those out in no time and had to order more.”

The concept is simple — residents are provided with a red envelope and an emergency patient information form. Residents can fill out the form, which includes allergies, medication, medical history, family doctor information and an alternate contact. The form is placed into the red envelope and the envelope gets attached to the resident’s fridge.

“Having this information available to first responders in an emergency situation can be a difference maker when a person is in medical distress and is unable to communicate with the attending emergency personnel,” said Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief Fred Stephenson.

An optional Emergency Pet Care Information form is included for residents who also want to provide information on how to best care for their pets, the Township noted.

Forms (with their red envelope) for the Red Envelope Program are available for pickup for no charge at the municipal office in Odessa, the Amherstview and Odessa Fire Stations, and the Loyalist Family Health Care facility at 200 Speers Blvd in Amherstview.

“This simple tool could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Pick one up today!” Loyalist Township said.