[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. CHRISSIE WOOLCOCK COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2001

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of the late Mrs. Chrissie Woolcock Collins, the cofounder of one of the 
world's most famous medical information and identification devices, 
Medic Alert. Mrs. Collins was memorialized at a service on Saturday, 
January 27, 2001.
  Medic Alert Foundation is the nation's leading emergency medical 
information and identification service, and one of the world's largest 
non-profit organizations, representing over 4 million members 
worldwide. The service has helped protect and save lives for nearly 45 
years.
  Mrs. Collins was born on July 30, 1906, in Douglas, Isle of Man, 
British Isles. She and her family immigrated to Turlock, California in 
1912. She attended elementary schools in Turlock, and graduated from 
Turlock High School in 1923.
  She earned a bachelor degree in music from the University of the 
Pacific in Stockton, California in 1928. In 1929 she married Marion 
Carter Collins whom she met in the eight grade. Her husband went on to 
earn his medical degree and was a practicing physician in Turlock. Mrs. 
Collins was formerly employed as supervisor of music for the Turlock 
Elementary School System and as choral director for adult education in 
Turlock. She and Dr. Collins raised four children--Michael, Linda, Tom 
and Margaret.
  In 1953 while on vacation her daughter, Linda, cut her finger. She 
was taken to the Lillian Collins Hospital in Turlock and attended to by 
her uncle, Dr. James Collins. He performed a skin test before injecting 
Linda with the full dose of tetanus antitoxin. Instantly, she went into 
anaphylactic shock, developed hives, had difficulty breathing and had 
to be sustained by an oxygen tent.
  Dr. and Mrs. Collins took the lessons learned from their daughter's 
mishap and developed them into concepts that today characterized the 
first and most recognized emergency medical information service, Medic 
Alert Foundation. They realized that the need for immediate 
recogniaiton of a medical condition by emergency medical personnel was 
a concern shared by millions of others. Together, they designed an 
emblem that has stood the test of time and remained virtually unchanged 
over the years. They used a version of the healing arts symbol, the 
caduceus, or staff of Aesculapius, flanked by the words `Medic Alert' 
in red. A jeweler in San Francisco crafted the bracelet and engraved 
Linda's allergies to tetanus antitoxin, aspirin and sulfa drugs on the 
back. The original bracelet, now in the permanent collection of the 
Smithsonian Institution, signifies the importance of the Collins' 
efforts and dedication. Today, the Medic Alert emblem is worn by more 
than 4 million members worldwide.
  Her dedication and commitment to the community continued throughout 
the years. In addition to her participation in many civic and social 
organizations, she was honored by the Muir Trail Council of Girl 
Scouts, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, the Turlock Chamber of 
Commerce as well as many other organizations.
  Her contributions and influence on Medic Alert Foundation are 
legendary. She is recognized not only as the organization's co-founder, 
but its conscience and spirit as well. From 1960 until her death, Mrs. 
Collins served on the board of directors for the Medic Alert 
Foundation.
  It is an honor and a privilege to recognize the life and 
accomplishments of Mrs. Chrissie Collins. Through Mrs. Collins' 
continued efforts, Medic Alert Foundation is a worldwide organization 
that has served countless numbers of people. I am very proud that Medic 
Alert Foundation calls Turlock, California its home. Mrs. Collins' 
legacy will serve as an example for the community today, tomorrow and 
for our future.

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