To the editor:
The Central Okanagan Kiwanis Community Services Society, owners of the Kiwanis Tower, is pleased to announce that they have undertaken a co-operative initiative with the Central Okanagan Branch of FSNA (Federal Retirees National Association) to implement and introduce the MEDWATCH program into the Kiwanis seniors independent living building located at 1130 Lawrence Ave. in downtown Kelowna.
MEDWATCH is a lifesaving program whereby a resident completes an information sheet listing their physical conditions and medication taken. This is placed in a vial which is then placed in the refrigerator, and a special identification sticker placed on the refrigerator door. In case of a medical emergency, first responders and/or ambulance attendees will look for the label and can quickly gather critical medication information to aid in crisis management and provide this to the hospital emergency room staff.
To assist individuals, the Medicine Shoppe® Pharmacies in Kelowna and West Kelowna have partnered with FSNA to provide the vials and assist people in updating their medication records and completing the forms.
We are so pleased that the local branch of FSNA approached us offering to partner with us on this initiative. MEDWATCH has been well received by the Tower residents and the implementation of this program into Kelowna, and the Kiwanis building in particular, could well save a life.
Larry Crabb, FSNA-Kelowna
Bob Bissell, president,
Central Okanagan Kiwanis Community Services Society
