MedicAlert Pilots School Board Initiative
New program protects children
Toronto, January 12, 2006 – The Canadian MedicAlert Foundation announced a new pilot in six provinces that works in conjunction with school boards to provide MedicAlert membership and bracelets to school children.
“With the rise in childhood asthma, diabetes and allergies, the importance of identifying a child’s medical condition is important for happy, healthy and safe living,” says Stephen Reid, Director of Marketing and Communications. “In case of a medical emergency, children can be the most vulnerable because they are often too young, too afraid or too hurt to express themselves. That’s why parents often feel better knowing their child’s MedicAlert identification can speak for them when they can’t – especially when they are not able to be around.”
The new pilot provides parents with a $20 discount on the MedicAlert Sports and Stainless Steel products. Over 300 schools in 19 districts are participating in the program. Schools in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia are involved.
“School boards have been keen to participate in this program,” says Reid. “Schools face a constant challenge in identifying children with life-threatening allergies, chronic medical conditions or special needs. MedicAlert provides a credible method to ensure important health information is communicated to first responders so that timely and accurate treatment can be provided in the event of an emergency.”
There are numerous medical conditions applicable to adults and children that should be known by health professionals in an emergency situation. In fact, one in five Canadians has a condition that can cause instability, sudden symptoms, weakness, or difficulty in communicating.
The Canadian MedicAlert Foundation developed special brochures that were mailed directly to the school. Parents interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact their local school official to determine if their child’s school is participating in the program.
MedicAlert is Canada’s largest member-based, charity organization dedicated to providing services that protect and save lives. As a trusted healthcare partner, our members rely on MedicAlert to provide critical medical information between them and emergency responders 24 hours a day.
For more than forty years, over one million Canadians have chosen MedicAlert to provide them with protection and peace of mind in case of a medical emergency. Whenever you see the MedicAlert emblem, you can count on MedicAlert to help emergency medical personnel to respond with appropriate and timely treatment.
The services provided by MedicAlert are also recognized by the Canadian healthcare community. Canadian MedicAlert Foundation is endorsed by CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and NENA (National Emergency Nurses Affiliation), and works in partnership with a Canada-wide network of health organizations, hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, medical clinics and public health centres.
For more information, please contact Robert Blair, Marketing Manager at (416) 696-0142 ext. 1251.
