Allegheny Township resident's request leads to launch of free Minutes Matter emergency cards
Rose Haberchak of Allegheny Township recently witnessed a medical emergency where minutes could have mattered.
During a weekend quilting event, Haberchak and others were able to assist a woman who had fallen ill. They sought medical assistance but had no information to offer first responders about the woman’s medical history or health conditions.
Luckily, the woman’s story had a happy ending, but the situation could have turned out differently.
Allegheny Township Supervisor James Morabito said he routinely visits the quilting volunteers of the Keystone State Quilters & Sewers Club at the township building. During a recent visit, the subject of emergency safety cards arose.
“I brought it up to Jamie Morabito, and I asked him if we could have a township resource to have this information out there,” said Haberchak, a retired Department of Aging protective services employee.
The medical emergency was the perfect example of why the emergency safety cards were needed.
From that conversation, Morabito launched a “Minutes Matter” program on Wednesday.
The Minutes Matter program offers cards for residents to keep in a visible location in their homes for first responders to use in case of an emergency.
The front of the two-sided card features a list of Allegheny Township emergency and community contact numbers, including Allegheny Township volunteer fire companies, police nonemergency, poison control, public works and PennDOT.
The back includes a form to fill out with one’s name, address, phone number, date of birth, specific medical needs, blood type, insurance, allergies, health issues, doctor contacts, Medicare information and emergency contacts.
“A lot of seniors live home alone, and having a Minutes Matter card can make a difference,” Haberchak said.
Morabito notified all of the emergency medical services in the township about the Minutes Matter cards.
He is encouraging residents to pick up the cards and post them on their refrigerators. They even could be kept in a purse or wallet.
The cards are available for pickup at three locations: Allegheny Township Municipal Building, Allegheny Township Police Department and Morabito Motors in Lower Burrell.
“They’ll (first responders) know what these cards are,” Morabito said. “This is available to anyone in the township and anyone who needs one.”
Morabito paid for the printing costs of the initial batch of 500 cards and said he will replenish as necessary.
“If one card saves one life, it was worth it,” he said. “Everyone is welcome to take one.”
Allegheny Township police Chief Duane Fisher said the cards provide an easy, go-to source for valuable information.
“These cards are a great resource for residents in both nonemergency and emergency situations,” he said. “The phone numbers on the front are helpful for day-to-day needs, while the personal information on the back can provide critical assistance to first responders when time is of the essence.”
Supervisor Ren Steele described the cards as needed and applauded Morabito’s efforts.
“The idea of giving these cards to elderly citizens so EMS and fire companies can get to their locations is a very good and needed policy,” Steele said.
Haberchak was the first resident to pick up a Minutes Matter card Wednesday at the township building. She plans to post two on her refrigerator — one for her and the other for her husband.
“It makes me feel secure to have this information, and I don’t have to worry if something happens to me or my husband or both of us,” Haberchak said. “Now, our son will know and will be notified.
“This is a need in Allegheny Township. People just don’t think about having this, but it’s important.”
Morabito said he plans to have information on Minutes Matter added to the township’s website at alleghenytownship.net
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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