MedicAlert Unveils New Services

From Staff Reporters
Turlock Journal
December 20, 2003

During this season of giving, MedicAlert is "giving something back" to the community by offering families in the Turlock area the opportunity to obtain free membership for their elementary school-aged children.

"Most people think it's only meant for old people," said Ramesh Srinivasan, vice president of marketing for MedicAlert, which is headquartered in Turlock.
Fliers have been distributed to Turlock elementary schools, pediatrician's offices and other children's organizations.

"They highlight the important benefits our service provides for children and their families," said Srinivasan.

These include 24-hour lost child identification; family emergency notification; and a medical emergency ID bracelet, in stainless steel or a sports band.
Srinivasan said the fliers feature the photograph of a mother and son who were quickly reunited after becoming separated while shopping in Los Angeles - because the boy was wearing a MedicAlert bracelet.

MedicAlert was founded in Turlock in 1956 by Dr. Marion Collins and his wife after their daughter had a near-fatal reaction to tetanus antitoxin.
From that time on, the Collins became committed to protect others from suffering a similar fate.

MedicAlert can help avert urgent medical situations, such as an allergic reaction to foods like peanuts, said Srinivasan.  The ID also can guard children against adverse medical treatment for specified medicine allergies.
But MedicAlert isn't just for emergencies, he added.

"Parents or guardians are encouraged to complete the enrollment form included on the flyer and drop it off at MedicAlert or just mail it in," he said.
A toll-free number is also listed - (800) 754-5416 - so that enrollment can be carried out over the phone.

The special offer is only valid through the end of January, and includes two additional years of annual renewal fees for a total of three years of complimentary membership.

The student memberships are becoming very popular, according to Srinivasan, who said that almost one-third of young applicants have no known medical condition.  New colored sports bands for girls and boys, each set with the MedicAlert emblem, are now available.

The usual initial fee for a membership to this nonprofit organization is $35 a year with annual fees costing $20.  For more information on this MedicAlert student membership, or an enrollment form, see the advertisement on Page A5.