Seniors can get free ID card at Wantagh library

The Town of Hempstead is partnering with state Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. (R-Merrick) on a third program for seniors over 60 to receive a free ID card. The latest event will take place Monday, April 16, at the Wantagh Library, 3285 Park Ave.

The wallet-sized senior ID card includes a photo and the holder’s personal data, physician’s contact information and emergency contact phone numbers that could be useful to paramedics in a medical emergency. Allergies and other vital information can also be printed on the cards.

In a medical emergency or in a missing person case, "the card can be tremendously important," town Supervisor Kate Murray said.

"You have the person’s picture, fingerprint, color of their eyes, all of the very critical identifying information to assist the police and family in looking for that senior citizen in a medical emergency. The senior’s doctor’s name is listed with a phone number. It provides very quick important information,” Murray said.

The program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. All town residents ages 60 and over are eligible to participate and receive a free senior ID card. Each senior will receive an ID card that day.

The town has sponsored 30 events and created IDs for more than 2,000 seniors so far.

“The success of the card has been tremendous,” Murray said. “When we launched the program at the first event, we didn’t know how well it was going to turn out, but it has been an unmitigated success. Our response and feedback has been great, we will keep doing it until every senior who wants an ID card gets one.”

Pictured above: Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr.