ID cards provided to seniors
BY LINDA DeNICOLA
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — As part of the Triad Program, representatives of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office spent four days photographing senior citizens for identification cards.

Seniors would normally pay up to $15 for the multiple use cards which are provided free through the Triad Program.

Called the "Ident-Adult" program, the photo identification card can be used for travel purposes, to cash checks and most importantly, can be life-saving because of the medical information that is attached to the card.

The medical information cards, also known as refrigerator cards, are attached to a senior citizen’s refrigerator. If an individual becomes ill at home, first aid responders or police officers can use the information that is available on the refrigerator card to expedite treatment.

According to information provided by the sheriff’s office, with more than 100,000 senior citizens in Monmouth County, those adults comprise the most rapidly growing segment of the population. Increasing life expectancy is leading to new issues as most communities experience a dramatic increase in the number of older persons, the press release states.

The Triad Program is a three-way cooperative effort among the sheriff’s office, the police chiefs association and the leadership of local senior citizens organizations, and was the first of its kind in the state. Established in 1992, the primary goal of the Triad Program is to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and to enhance the delivery of law enforcement services. It is governed by a senior advisory council known as Seniors and Lawmen Together (SALT.)

For more information on the Ident-Adult program call the sheriff’s office at (732) 431-6524 or visit the Internet Web site at visitmonmouth.com/sheriff.