MedicAlert® to Help Florida Residents Affected By Hurricane Charley

TURLOCK , California (August 20, 2004) – MedicAlert Foundation, the nations leading emergency medical information service, will be providing those affected by Hurricane Charley a one-year free membership to MedicAlert. This offer, which expires December 31, 2004, targets Florida residents in the FEMA designated counties of Lee, Charlotte, De Soto, Hardee and Sarasota.

MedicAlert Professional Educators, Brian Shockley and Steve Barber, will be onsite at shelters, throughout the five counties, Friday, August 20 through Saturday, September 4. They will be distributing information about MedicAlert and assisting those impacted by Hurricane Charley in filling out the application.

“A MedicAlert membership can help people rebuild their lives by providing a safe and secure place to store their medical record, such as allergies and medications, implanted device serial numbers and Advance Directives,” says Shockley. “MedicAlert is a trusted, secure site where millions of Americans store their healthcare records.”

“In addition,” adds Barber, “MedicAlert can be a great locator for those who may relocate and become confused by their new surroundings and wander off, such as children and older people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.”

MedicAlert emblems, worn as bracelets or pendants, can alert emergency personnel to a members primary health conditions. It can also provide family notification so a member can be reunited with their family.

MedicAlert is one of the largest nonprofit membership organizations in the world with a mission to protect and save lives. Since 1956 MedicAlert has relayed member’s key medical facts to emergency medical personnel so that they receive faster, safer treatment, and avoid harmful or fatal reactions.

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