INTEGRIS Bass Expands Vial of Life Program
5-13-08

For the past several years INTEGRIS Bass has been distributing “Vials of Life” to area residents.  The Vial of Life provides pertinent medical information to emergency personnel who respond to and treat home emergencies.  The Vial of Life Program can also be used as a convenient way to keep track of medical information so it can easily be taken to doctor’s appointments, hospital visits etc.

Vial of Life participants complete a Medical Information Form, which is then put into a medicine vial. A "Vial of Life" label is attached to the vial, which is then placed on the top shelf of the participant's refrigerator. 

The Vial of Life contains much of the medical history needed by the responding emergency personnel, such as medication currently being taken, existing medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contact information.

In the past, the hospital has handed out thousands of these Vials to local nursing homes, and pharmacies, and distributed them at area health fairs etc.  INTEGRIS Bass is now expanding the program and the Vials are being distributed to Emergency Department patients, to patients being discharged from the hospital and to patients at the INTEGRIS Rural Clinics in  Medford, Pond Creek, Caldwell, Wakita, Garber, Cherokee, Hennessey and Waynoka.   Future plans will include distribution to patients who visit an INTEGRIS Physician.

“The value of the program is two-fold,” said Sharon Singleton, Director of Quality at INTEGRIS Bass.  “First, it’s a great emergency preparedness program.  But there is a huge value in taking the “Vial” to Doctors appointments and hospital visits as well.  The more information a patient provides to their healthcare provider, the better the outcomes.”