HEALTH MINISTRY
MEDICALERT MONTH
Marla Lichtsinn, RN, MPA,CIC, FCN, Parish Nurse
MedicAlert Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit membership organizations in the world,
with a mission to protect and save lives.
The MedicAlert story began in 1953, when a 14-year old girl, the daughter of a surgeon, cut her
finger and was taken to a local emergency room for treatment. Her uncle, also a physician,
performed a simple test on the young girl before giving her the usual dose of tetanus anti-toxin
(commonly given to persons who have suffered a cut or puncture wound). Seconds later, the girl
went into anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal reaction to a severe allergy.
After spending several days in the hospital, she recovered, but there was (and is) no drug to
cure such an allergy. That incident made the young lady and her family very aware of her
vulnerability. "My parents realized that if one tiny drop of the antitoxin had produced that reaction,
I'd probably be killed by a full dose," she recalled. "After that, when I went away from home for a
weekend or to a neighboring town for school events, they'd make me wear a paper bracelet
describing my allergies."
When the young lady graduated from high school and headed for college, her parents knew that
a more permanent solution than a paper bracelet was needed. They designed a metal bracelet, with
the medical symbol of the caduceus (coiled snakes on a staff) and red lettering spelling out
"MEDICALERT" on the front, and "allergic to tetanus antitoxin" engraved on the back. A jeweler in
San Francisco then crafted the bracelet and asked how they get one for themselves or a loved one,
the doctor realized that many people with special medical problems might benefit as well, since
improper diagnosis and treatment can cost lives.
In 1956, the doctor established MedicAlert Foundation International, a non-profit, tax-exempt
charitable organization, investing his own money and contributing countless hours of volunteer
time... in the early years, the mail room for the organization was reported to be the family living
room! That same year, the physician brothers attended the Congress of the American College of
Surgeons in San Francisco: they brought 200 MedicAlert bracelets and a small engraving machine
and demonstrated its use to the physicians attending the conference. "I think" the surgeon said, "I
can save more lives with MedicAlert than I'll ever save with my scalpel!"
In the 1960's, MedicAlert Foundation was relocated to a local hospital, phone numbers were
assigned, and a program was launched to provide details on each person's medical history by
phone contact from emergency medical workers. The organization received its first nationwide
publicity through a supplement in the Sunday editions of 40 major U.S. newspapers.
By 1970, MedicAlert was launching its first computerized automation of member records,
allowing it to increase its membership ten-fold. Alliances were established with other medical
organizations, and it earned earned the endorsements of three of the most influential associations
in medical care. In 1979, actor Ed Asner was named the foundation's National Volunteer Chairman.
Actor Lorne Greene followed Mr. Asner as Volunteer Chairman.
By 1982, MedicAlert accepted an invitation to create a formal working relationship with the
World Health Organization, and an international movement began. It has continued to expand
globally, so that MedicAlert members are afforded 24-hour emergency response to relay vital
medical information to emergency personnel - secure (confidential) data is contained in a personal
health record, and can be transmitted by phone, fax, or internet-connected computer - the
emergency response center even provides translator services when necessary!
Bracelets and necklace pendents are available for as little as $9.95 (the "designer series" can
run over $100!); first year enrollment for the services is $39.95, and $25 per year thereafter.
As one member testified, "In July 2000, I fell asleep while driving, flew 50 feet over a dry creek bed
and ended up pinned under the steering wheel. Two days after, I woke up hearing a surgeon telling
me I'd broken my back. He said I was lucky to have a MedicAlert bracelet because it prevented the
doctor from ordering an MRI, which would have been fatal since I have a pacemaker. MedicAlert
provides emergency information that cannot fit on the bracelet, and they notify the contact person
you have listed... A godsend!"
If you or a loved one has critical medical information that must be known to your caregivers -
whenever, wherever you might need care - think about enrolling in such an important, life-saving
service, or ask your doctor how else you can assure that such information is available in
emergencies.
*MedicAlert can be reached by calling 1-888-633-4298 Or visiting www.medicalert.org
PERMISSION GRANTED TO REPRINT!
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QUESTIONS?? COMMENTS?? Gail Kueffner-Haw, RN, Community Health Nurse, may be reached at
385-9699. Jo Hoogstraten, R.N., Parish Nurse's phone number is 269-521-3407. Marilyn Woodruff's
phone number is 349-3754. All of the Parish Nurses (Community Health Nurses) are eager to listen
to you and help you find an answer to your concerns. There is usually at least one of us at each
Sunday morning service or give us a call during the week. May the Peace that comes from knowing
the Lord be with you.
Marilyn Woodruff, RN, Retired Parish Nurse