[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MEDICALERT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2006

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize MedicAlert, a company founded by Dr. Marion and Chrissie 
Colling of Turlock, California in 1956. The MedicAlert system provides 
identification and medical information in emergencies, alerting 
emergency medical professionals to preexisting medical conditions such 
as diabetes, heart conditions, implanted devices, and allergies to 
medications.
  MedicAlert utilizes identification bracelets and the E-Health Key, 
both of which are to be carried at all times in case of emergency. A 
24-hour Emergency Response Center can be reached by calling a phone 
number on MedicAlert bracelets, allowing direct dialogue with nurses 
who have access to patients' Electronic Health Record. The emergency 
contact information available in those records helps make sure that 
patients' families are contacted in an emergency. MedicAlert provides 
free training pertaining to the use of MedicAlert bracelets and E-
Health Keys for emergency response personnel and the public safety 
community.
  Now in its 50th year, MedicAlert is endorsed by the American Red 
Cross, the National Institute of Health, the American College of 
Emergency Physicians and the American Pharmaceutical Association. Over 
100,000 medical professionals recommend MedicAlert to their patients. 
MedicAlert currently receives 3,500 emergency calls a year. MedicAlert 
has grown to have affiliates in nine countries: Canada, the United 
Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Malaysia, Iceland, South 
Africa and Zimbabwe.
  I am very proud to congratulate MedicAlert on the occasion of its 
50th Anniversary. Over 80,000 people credit MedicAlert with having 
helped saved their lives in an emergency, and I wish this amazing 
organization many more years of growth, increased awareness, and 
success. Four million members worldwide understand the great importance 
of this organization and the immeasurable service it provides.

                          ____________________