MedicAlert Celebrates 50 Years Of Saving Lives

The Turlock Journal
Abby Souza
January 11, 2006

In 1956, a Turlock couple founded a company to help save lives. 
Fifty years later, that company-now the world’s leading health information organization-is celebrating five decades of business. MedicAlert kicked off its 50th anniversary Tuesday at its headquarters on Colorado Avenue.

Speaking to about 40 of his employees, MedicAlert President and CEO Paul Kortschak thanked them for their hard work in keeping the company successful.

“To be in business for 50 years is quite an accomplishment,” Kortschak said.  “None of our competitors are.”

MedicAlert was founded by Dr. Marion and Chrissie Collins after their daughter Linda almost died from a tetanus antitoxin allergy.  Since then, MedicAlert has saved countless lives by relaying its members’ medical information to first responders, emergency room and hospital personnel.

The Collins’ grandson, Paul Maurer, attended Tuesday’s celebration, which included a balloon release and the unveiling of a sign with a new MedicAlert logo commemorating the anniversary.