Great News about Medic Alert®

As of October 2017, the Medic Alert® Foundation International will no longer be charging annual renewal fees.  Now, it’s a one-time cost with no renewal fee. 

Founded in 1953, the Medic Alert® Foundation International is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advise emergency responders about people with medical conditions.  The Medic Alert® call center operates 24/7 to assist medical personal with information.  The center has on-site-emergency-response specialists, who answer thousands of calls each year, with the goal of saving lives. 

The Medic Alert® is worn by a person with a medical condition and comes in the form of bracelets, necklaces, and shoe tags.  It informs healthcare providers about an emergency health record in the Medic Alert® database.  It is important to update any new medical information about yourself or family member as it occurs.  You can do this online at www.medicalert.org or by calling them at 888-413-3768.

Hemophilia of Georgia is happy to provide a first-time Medic Alert® item to each of our clients.  Your outreach staff will request the Medic Alert® with your consent and measure your wrist to fit a bracelet.  You have options to order many Medic Alert® fashion items from silver and gold to sports jewelry.  It takes approximately four weeks to receive your Medic Alert®.  If it does not show up, we can trace the shipment for you.  Please let your outreach nurse know if you do not receive your Medic Alert®.

For children, we recommend a bracelet on the ankle or wrist, but not a necklace that is easily lost and not recommended for young children.  When it arrives, the Medic Alert® should be worn immediately.  If an emergency arises, you don’t want to have to try to find it.  If placed on a young child right away, they get used to wearing it.  Adjustments to the chain can be made at a local jewelry store for a reasonable price.  Wearing the Medic Alert® can move you or your loved one to the front of the emergency room waiting line.  It also speaks for you when you cannot.

If lost, replacement is your responsibility.  The Medic Alert® company has a program to assist those individuals who cannot afford the replacement cost.  This will require a copy of state or federal government assistance program card.

Here is to your safety!