This March, MedicAlert Foundation marks its 70th anniversary — seven decades of helping millions of Americans live independently, travel with confidence, and do what they love, knowing their critical medical information is always accessible when it matters most.
Founded in 1956 by Dr. Marion Collins, a Turlock, California physician whose daughter Linda
nearly died from an allergic reaction to a routine tetanus shot, MedicAlert has grown from a
father’s determination to protect his child into a trusted health and safety organization that serves millions of members and partners with first responders across the country. Dr. Collins once said, “I think I can save more lives with MedicAlert than I ever can with my scalpel.” Linda’s original medical ID bracelet is now in the Smithsonian Institution.
To celebrate this milestone, MedicAlert is launching “Behind Every ID, a Story” — a month-
long campaign spotlighting the real people behind the iconic MedicAlert emblem and the
everyday confidence their protection provides.
Behind Every ID, a Story
The anniversary campaign centers on a powerful truth: MedicAlert isn’t only about emergencies — it’s about the everyday moments that make life worth living. Going to the gym. Traveling with
family. Walking to the store. Picking up grandchildren. For millions of members, their MedicAlert ID is what makes all of it possible with confidence and peace of mind.
The campaign features “This Is Why I Wear It,” a video series showcasing real MedicAlert
members sharing their stories in their own words:
Brooke, member since 2012, wears her ID every single day — to the gym, to work, to dinner — because it gives her an extra layer of protection, even when she’s alone.
Elizabeth, member since 1997, lives with life-threatening food allergies. Her MedicAlert ID has saved her life on numerous occasions by speaking for her when she can’t speak for herself.
Jessica, member since the early 2000s, was born with congenital heart defects and relies on a daily blood thinner. Her bracelet lets her live with confidence, knowing her medical information is always right there if she ever needs help.
Rick, member since 1968 — 58 years — has trusted MedicAlert through bracelets, necklaces, and now QR-enabled IDs. His MedicAlert has saved his life many times by giving medical professionals the details they need about what to do and, critically, what not to do.
The video series, along with member testimonials and real stories, will be featured across MedicAlert’s email communications, social media channels, and a dedicated 70th anniversary landing page throughout March and beyond.
First Responders: “When We See a MedicAlert ID, Everything Changes”
The campaign also highlights the critical role MedicAlert plays on the other side of the emergency. Through the eyes of first responders who rely on MedicAlert information to make
faster, safer decisions.
More than 190 million Americans live with a chronic condition that could impact their treatment in a medical emergency. MedicAlert ensures those conditions are flagged for first responders and accompanied by the critical medical history they need to avoid
misdiagnoses, harmful interventions, or delays in care.
“The more information I have, the better I can do an educated field diagnosis, and the better I can treat you.”
Bernard Taylor
Firefighter, Paramedic, and founding member of MedicAlert's First Responder Council
MedicAlert’s First Responder Council, launched in 2025 during National EMS Week, brings together seasoned professionals from fire, EMS, and law enforcement to help shape the
future of emergency medical information sharing. Council members — including firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers who are also educators, advocates, and content creators — contribute their frontline expertise to MedicAlert’s mission.
70 Years of Innovation
What began as a simple engraved bracelet in 1956 has evolved into a comprehensive health
and safety platform. Today, MedicAlert offers QR-enabled medical IDs that give first responders instant access to a member’s full medical profile, a 24/7 Emergency Response Center staffed by trained professionals, and an online member portal where members can manage their health information from anywhere.
Through it all, the core promise has never changed: when you can’t speak for yourself, MedicAlert speaks for you.
Celebrating With Members
To thank its community, MedicAlert is offering 35% off bracelets and necklaces throughout March with promotional code 70TH. The anniversary celebration includes exclusive offers for current members, a reactivation invitation for lapsed members, and a friends and family program, because protection is a gift worth sharing.
70th anniversary offer
Use promo code 70TH at checkout
Offer ends March 16th. Limited time only.
About MedicAlert Foundation
MedicAlert Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by providing first responders and caregivers with vital medical information when it matters
most. Founded in 1956 by Dr. Marion Collins in Turlock, California, MedicAlert has been a
trusted source of medical IDs and emergency response services for 70 years, helping people live with confidence and security. Since its founding, MedicAlert has helped save over 4 million lives. More than 133 million Americans live with chronic conditions that could impact their emergency care — MedicAlert ensures they are never without a voice.
