MedicAlert Foundation and Epilepsy Foundation
announce partnership to provide lifesaving seizure education
and digital seizure action plans.
New York, NY — November 23, 2020
Epilepsy Foundation and MedicAlert Foundation are launching a partnership to help people with epilepsy proactively manage their condition, while enhancing the information provided to first responders in an emergency. Initiatives include adding a digital version of the Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure Action Plan in MedicAlert’s online health profile, encouraging first responders to get seizure first aid certified, and educational content that raises awareness about epilepsy and seizure disorders.
While it affects more than 3.4 million adults and children in the United States, epilepsy is still one of the neurological conditions least understood by the general public. Because of this, people experiencing seizures don’t always receive optimal care. To address this need, the two leading non-profits have teamed up to educate first responders and provide digital tools for seizure management.
“For years people have used MedicAlert IDs as a way to communicate their epilepsy in an emergency,” said Josefina Jervis, President and COO, MedicAlert Foundation. “With this partnership, we’re taking it a step further by documenting the protocol for managing an individual’s seizure, and sharing that with emergency personnel. It empowers both the person with epilepsy and first responders with the tools to respond to a seizure effectively.”
MedicAlert members are able to update their online health profile at any time and print out the Seizure Action Plan to carry with them. In an emergency, MedicAlert’s 24/7 response team will relay the Seizure Action Plan to first responders, giving them the knowledge needed to provide fast and accurate care.
In addition to the digital Seizure Action Plan, MedicAlert will implement the Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification program for its first responders. The training focuses on recognizing seizures, types of seizures, and treatment protocols. It is eligible for continuing education credits and available to first responders and emergency personnel free of charge.
“Anyone can have a seizure and be diagnosed with epilepsy — any person, at any age. Knowing how to help someone during a seizure can make a difference and save a life,” said Laura Thrall, President and CEO, Epilepsy Foundation. “We’re thrilled that MedicAlert is joining us in our efforts to improve seizure readiness for first responders and ensure the safety and well-being of people with epilepsy.”
MedicAlert will also develop factsheets and videos with guidance from the Epilepsy Foundation and collaborate with the organization on virtual events that support those living with epilepsy and their families in navigating the daily challenges they face.
“The new partnership with Epilepsy Foundation aligns perfectly with our mission of saving lives by sharing vital information in emergencies,” said Josefina Jervis, President and COO, MedicAlert Foundation. “First responders already know to look for a MedicAlert ID. Now we’ll be able to provide even better information – both before and during seizure incidents – that enables emergency personnel to provide effective seizure first aid.”
About the Epilepsy Foundation
With a network of nearly 50 partners throughout the United States, the Epilepsy Foundation is leading the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy. The Foundation connects people to treatment, support and resources; leads advocacy efforts; funds innovative research and the training of specialists; and educates the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid. For more than five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation has shone a light on epilepsy to promote awareness and understanding, and to advocate for laws that matter to people with epilepsy, while also funding $68.7 million for epilepsy research and supporting 3,091 epilepsy investigators and specialists in their early careers. Over the past 18 years, in partnership with the CDC, the Epilepsy Foundation has helped to improve access to care for people with epilepsy, expanded its digital reach and online resources in homes across the country, and trained more than 500,000 school and community personnel in how to recognize seizures and administer seizure first aid. The Foundation has also assisted more than 123,470 people through its 24/7 Helpline in the past five years, and continues to focus on innovation, new therapies, community services, advocacy and education as key priorities. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About MedicAlert Foundation
MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) membership organization, and the creator of the original medical ID. MedicAlert’s mission is to save and protect lives by sharing information in their members’ moment of need. The MedicAlert emblem is globally recognized by first responders and emergency personnel, who connect with MedicAlert’s 24/7 Emergency Response Team for a member’s complete health record. MedicAlert serves millions of members in the U.S. and through 10 global affiliates. For more information, visit medicalert.org.
# # #Wednesday, November 18, 2020