Company Profile
MedicAlert Foundation
Company Overview
For more than 50 years, we have relayed vital medical information to emergency responders about members' medical conditions, allergies, medications and dosages, so they receive faster, safer treatment. Our 24-hour emergency response service provides family and caregiver notification so that members can be reunited with their families.
Company History
MedicAlert Foundation was founded over 50 years ago and is the only nonprofit emergency medical information service. With over 4 million members, MedicAlert Foundation is trusted by emergency responders to relay critical lifesaving information when needed.
The MedicAlert Foundation story began in the summer of 1953, in the farming community of Turlock, California. While her parents were away on vacation, Linda Collins, the 14-year-old daughter of Dr. Marion Collins, a physician and surgeon, cut her finger badly enough to require a trip to the local hospital.
Following standard protocol, Linda’s uncle performed a skin test before injecting Linda with a full dose of tetanus antitoxin, which contained horse serum. Within moments, Linda went into anaphylactic shock – a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. The incident nearly killed her.
“My parents realized that if one tiny drop of the antitoxin had produced that reaction I’d probably be killed by a full dose,” she recalled. “Thereafter, when I went away from home for a weekend or to a neighboring town for school events, they’d attach a note to my coat or make me a paper bracelet describing my allergies.”
Linda came up with the concept of a silver bracelet with “Allergic to Tetanus Antitoxin” engraved on the back. Dr. Collins added “MedicAlert” and the symbol of the medical profession to the front. The design was sent to a local San Francisco jeweler who created the first MedicAlert bracelet.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
You can become a member of MedicAlert Foundation from anywhere in the world. With over 4 million members worldwide, MedicAlert Foundation International currently serves members in more than 50 countries.
Worldwide Locations
Australia MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1971
Canadian MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1961
Cyprus MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1975
Iceland MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1984
Malaysia MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1967
New Zealand MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1962
South African MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1964
United Kingdom MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1964
Zimbabwe MedicAlert Foundation
Established since 1968
Benefits
At MedicAlert Foundation we are passionate about creating a stimulating, supportive work environment for you. We strive to keep you healthy, happy, and moving ahead through our benefits programs. If you need health insurance, you can be enrolled in a comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plan beginning the first day of the month following your date of hire. With healthcare costs on the rise, you'll be comforted to know that we're doing all we can to keep your premiums down and quality up.