By State Rep. Todd Hunter
AUSTIN, Texas (Texas Insider Report) — The month of August is Medic Alert Awareness Month. For over 60 years, the MedicAlert Foundation International (MAFI) has customized jewelry for people who suffer from life threatening medical conditions.
Dr. Marion Collins established MAFI after his daughter, Linda, nearly died of a severe allergic reaction during a simple non-life-threatening medical procedure. Soon after, the Collins’ family came up with the idea of inscribing Linda’s medical condition on a bracelet, rather than attaching a note to her coat everywhere she went without her parents.Today, these medical alert bracelets, necklaces, and shoe tags help save millions of lives across the world annually. This month is dedicated to educating everyone about these medical alert bracelets to prevent another situation like Linda’s from occurring.
In emergency situations, good Samaritans and first responders must assess a situation and react quickly as best as they can with little to no information on what has caused the emergency (i.e. when a person collapses suddenly and/or becomes unresponsive).
MedicAlert bracelets have decreased medical errors by almost 50%, as well.
MedicAlert bracelets are designed to clearly state what medical conditions a person suffers from. These medical conditions include:- Alzheimers Disease or Dementia
- Anaphylaxis Shock
- Asthma
- Autism
- Blood Disorder(s) or Anemia
- Blood Thinners (Coumadin Warfarin)
- Cancer
- Cardiac Problems
- Children with Special Needs;
- Diabetes
- Dialysis
- Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
- Epilepsy or Seizures
- Food or Drug Allergies
- Hypertension
- Lung Disease (like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or COPD)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Pacemaker use and
- Stroke Risk
By calling that phone number, you will be able to receive information on the victim’s:
- Current Medications & Dosage
- Previous Medical & Surgery Information (i.e. concussion stroke etc.)
- Access to Emergency Contacts (family members)
- Their Primary Care Physicians contact information
- If they have implanted Medical Devices
- Advance Directives and more
MAFI is a non-profit charitable organization that partners with organizations like:
- the Alzheimers Association
- the American Heart Association/Go Red for Women
- the American Hospital Association
- the Emergency Nurses Association, and
- many more to provide those in need with proper identification jewelry.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned above, please don't hesitate to call my Capitol or District Offices. As always, we're available at any time to assist you with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603). And please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas State Agency or if you'd like help regarding Constituent Services.If you'd like to review more about the Texas State Legislature, visit the Texas Legislature Online.
State Representative Todd Hunter serves the constituents of Texas House District 32, which is composed of Aransas, Calhoun, San Patricio and part of Nueces County.
