Here's hoping for another 48 years

Editorial Staff
Turlock Journal
March 27, 2004

It’s nice to see MedicAlert, an organization with roots intertwined with the city of Turlock , is increasing its involvement in the community. The non-profit celebrated its 48th anniversary Friday with a ceremony in front of city officials, state politicians and dozens of others.

“We are in the process of resurrecting the outreach program to let more people in the community gave an eye into how big this organization is,” said Harbinder Mann, public relations officer for MedicAlert.

That’s good. Considering Turlock ’s growth over the years, we’re betting the organization has been under the radar of many residents.

For almost half a century, countless lives have been saved through MedicAlert’s services.

Started in the mid-1950s by a Turlock physician and his wife, MedicAlert has become global in its reach.

It was a near fatal reaction to a tetanus antitoxin scratch test 50 years ago that led to the birth of MedicAlert. And today, about 4 million members all over the world are protected by the 24-hour emergency response service, which is headquartered in our hometown.

There are currently approximately 2.4 million MedicAlert members in the United States and Canada , according to Ramesh Srinivasan, vice president of marketing.

But the emblem is not just for those with medical conditions. It can also be used to ensure that kids stay safe.

MedicAlert offers a 24-hour lost child identification package, which includes a stainless steel ID bracelet or sports band, and family emergency notification. If a child gets lost in a mall or at the beach - and he or she is wearing the MedicAlert emblem - they can be easily identified through the local headquarters, and returned safely to their parents.

The cost for MedicAlert’s services is just $20 a year - less than 6 cents a day - but the assurance it provides is priceless.