Working Together to Protect People with Allergies
MedicAlert and Anaphylaxis Canada collaborate on new awareness initiative
Toronto, January 19, 2006 – Anaphylaxis Canada and the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation announced a new relationship that will see the two organizations work closer together to protect individuals living with life-threatening allergies.
Because of a shared vision and goal to educate and protect individuals with life-threatening allergies, the two charities have committed to collaborate on education and awareness programs that inform people with allergies about the importance of medical identification.
“It’s essential that individuals living with anaphylaxis let others know of their condition,” explains Laurie Harada, executive director of Anaphylaxis Canada. “Not sharing this vital information is not an option and wearing a MedicAlert bracelet can clearly benefit those at risk.”
Anaphylaxis (anna-fill-axis) is a serious allergic reaction that can be deadly. Food is the most common cause of anaphylaxis, but insect stings, medicine, latex or even exercise can also cause a reaction. Approximately one to two percent of Canadians live with anaphylaxis and more than 50 percent of Canadians know someone with a life-threatening allergy.
“MedicAlert services can be used to protect people of all ages living with chronic medical conditions, allergies or special needs,” said Martin Kabat, president and CEO of the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation. “Lately, we have seen a dramatic increase in our membership among young people living with allergies and it is because of this that we saw the need to work together.”
Sabrina’s Law (Ontario)
After the death of Sabrina Shannon, who died from an allergic reaction to food at her school, Anaphylaxis Canada along with Shannon’s parents and Dave Levac, a member of Ontario’s provincial parliament worked hard to pass Bill 3 (Sabrina’s Law). The law, which came into effect on January 1st of this year requires Ontario school boards to implement an anaphylaxis policy to protect students living with life threatening allergies.
Part of the anaphylaxis plan outlined by Sabrina’s Law includes communicating to parents, students and school employees about allergies. Both Anaphylaxis Canada and MedicAlert will work to find ways to ensure information is shared and individuals living with allergies are protected.
About Anaphylaxis Canada
Anaphylaxis Canada is a non-profit organization created by and for people with anaphylaxis. It provides information and support for people with anaphylaxis and helps them lead safe and normal lives. Anaphylaxis Canada also works to improve safety standards for people by working with the food industry to improve food labels. It also conducts fundraising for research into anaphylaxis treatment and prevention.
About the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation
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 to emergency responders or other medical professionals 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:
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Robert Blair (416) 696-0142 ext. 1251. Marketing Manager Canadian MedicAlert Foundation |
Laurie Harada (416) 904-7772 Executive Director Anaphylaxis Canada |
