MedicAlert Foundation reunites 83 year old father with family

Turlock , California, May 27, 2004 – On May 05, 2004, MedicAlert Foundation helped to reunite 83 year old Armia Damanpak with his family in Turlock, California.

A 911 caller reported a man on the side of the street wandering from the hard shoulder onto the road. Officer French of the California Highway Patrol responded to the call and when he arrived he soon realized that Armia did not speak any English or Spanish and had no identification on his person. Officer French motioned with his hands the offer to take Armia home if he could provide directions. On route it became clear very quickly that they were driving aimlessly. Officer French said, “it was then I noted Armia was wearing a MedicAlert ® Emblem on his wrist. I rang the number on the back of the Emblem and they provided me with the details of Armia’s daughter who lived nearby. Had it not been for the MedicAlert ® Emblem I would have had to take him to the Behavioral Health Center. Once at the center it could have taken hours maybe days for someone to file a missing person, make the connection and reunite Armia with his family”.

Armia’s daughter, Georgette, is very grateful for the MedicAlert ® Service. Georgette said, “my father is memory impaired and does not speak English. Sometimes when he goes out he becomes disorientated and gets lost. This is amazing, I love your program, and I appreciate all that you do for me”. MedicAlert ® was recommended to Georgette the first time her father got lost and arrived at Emanuel Hospital, Turlock. The nurse recommended that I get my father a MedicAlert ® Emblem.

Officer French said, “the really ironic part of this incident is when I took the call regarding Armia Damanpak, I was actually on my way to another call. A young lady’s car windscreen had shattered. When I eventually got to the young lady and apologized for the delay, she told me that she worked at MedicAlert Foundation and was on her way home”.

According to NRTA, AARP’s (community of Members age 50 and over) educator community more than 40 million Americans suffer from some type of brain disorder. MedicAlert ® Membership should be just one part of a carefully managed plan to ensure individuals lead the fullest life possible.

Armia’s story is typical of the many calls that come into the 24 hour MedicAlert ® Emergency Response Center. Reuniting Members with their families is just one of the benefits MedicAlert Foundation Members are provided. In an emergency, the MedicAlert ® Service is able to provide emergency responders with vital personal and medical information including medications, dosages, allergies and medical devices helping to save lives when seconds count.

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