TURLOCK , California ( April 17, 2003 ) – The unsafe air in Fresno County poses an extreme epidemic of asthma, especially in children. According to the 2001 California Health Interview Survey, 16.4 percent of Fresno County children have asthma. In addition, the Fresno Bee reports that Fresno has the highest incidence of childhood asthma in the nation.

MedicAlert Foundation International is responding to the situation with a unique offering: 1,000 free memberships to asthmatic children from low income families during May to support National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month.

“ While a long term solution is desirable, affected children and their parents need immediate protection in the event of an asthmatic attack on bad air days,” said MedicAlert President and Chief Executive Officer Tanya J. Glazebrook.  “We encourage any parent of an asthmatic child to enroll their child in our services. The 1,000 Sponsored Memberships are available in May to families unable to afford the $35 enrollment fee.

G lazebrook explained that, as a nonprofit organization, sponsored memberships are made available through the generous donations of other Members who value the service and want to provide it for those unable to pay.

To enroll your asthmatic child in a free MedicAlert ® membership, please call 888-904-7629 . Please mention code 8870 .

The 24-Hour MedicAlert ® Emergency Response Service is available in the event of an asthma attack. Emergency responders are alerted of a critical medical condition by the presence of the recognizable MedicAlert ® emblem. They also contact MedicAlert to get further in formation on the child's condition, allergies and medications, all stored in a secure database. In addition, MedicAlert contacts designated family members regarding the child's condition, providing peace of mind for parents.