Etowah County - Beginning March 12 there are several new opportunities to register for the "Yellow Dot" Program in Etowah County.

It all began in February as, one by one, drivers lined up at the Gadsden Senior Center to have their photo snapped and their car dotted... yellow dotted. The "Yellow Dot" program helps notify emergency responders of any special medical needs in times of emergency. It's geared toward elderly drivers, but any one in the county can pick up a yellow dot.

According to Sheriff Todd Entrekin, "We're starting today with seniors but I hope it doesn't stop there. I hope it goes everywhere. We're not going to turn anyone away that wants to be a part of this program."

It's a simple sticker placed on the left hand corner of the rear windshield. When emergency responders see it attached to the real of a vehicle they know to walk around the front and look inside the glove compartment. That's where they'll find the yellow plastic folder containing important health information and a photo to make sure they're dealing with the right patient.

Lora Weaver helped bring the program to Etowah County. She explains, "They see the pictures... they pull out the information sheet for the injured person and they begin working on them."

Jackqueline Penny signed up becase she's a diabetic and a hear patient. She enrolled in case she found herself too upset after a crash to talk to responders.

Jackie Carmack says "I realize that usually in the case of an accident people are emotionally upset and many time they don't have the necessary information they normally need."

It's a free program. Any one can enroll at the Etowah County Sheriff's Office.

Upcoming registrations include...

*March 12 th from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon at Regency Pointe in Rainbow City

*March 14 th from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gallant Volunteer Fire Station

*March 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Southside Community Center

*March 19 th from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Gadsden Senior Activity Center

Individuals may also sign-up at one of the permanent enrollment locations:

*Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, 827 Forrest Avenue , Gadsden , 546-2825

*Northeast AL Traffic Safety Office, Etowah Co. Courthouse, Room 302, Gadsden , 549-8142

* Gadsden Fire Department, Main Office, 322 Walnut Street , Gadsden , 549-4580

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