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That lifesaving information may soon be as handy as your refrigerator door.

The Lapeer County Health Department is applying for a $9,600 grant from the Lapeer County Community Foundation to fund 20,000 File of Life magnetic emergency refrigerator magnets.

The File of Life was established to provide a quick method for emergency medical teams to obtain medical information when a resident is unable to provide it.

"We hope to have these on refrigerator doors in Lapeer County homes soon," said Lapeer County Health Department Director Stephanie Simmons. "The card lists the person's identifying information, emergency contacts, medical and medication information. It's kept in a red plastic magnetic pocket."

The entire pocket is held with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator, and is clearly visible to medical responders. It provides immediate medical information that can assist emergency personnel on their arrival.

The effort was initiated by the Senior Coalition and spearheaded by Lapeer County Health Department senior programs social worker Michelle Gould-Rice.

"It's known to have saved lives," said Gould-Rice. "They help prevent medication errors because there is an accurate list of medications. You're not relying on memory during a medical emergency."

Upon grant approval, Gould-Rice and Simmons hope to have the magnets by June. They plan to distribute them throughout the year at community functions such as Senior Celebration Day, Hospital Safety Day, Family Fun Day, Kindergarten Roundup, Early Years Expo, Lapeer Days, Imlay City Health Fair, Emergency Preparedness Day, Fantasy Forest and Mental Health Recovery Fair.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810)664-0811, ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com

Lapeer County Health Department senior programs social worker Michelle Gould-Rice demonstrates the File of Life. Lifesaving information should soon be available on Lapeer County refrigerator doors.