Working with the Lions clubs
The Lions Clubs and MedicAlert 
The Lions Clubs and MedicAlert have a long and proud history of working together. In fact, MedicAlert was brought to the UK in the early 1960s as a special project of the British Isles & Ireland Lions Clubs. Through the hard work and sheer determination of those Lions, The MedicAlert Foundation began to reach people across the country, helping those with hidden medical conditions and allergies to live their lives with the peace of mind that in an emergency they would receive the right treatment they need.
Lions International is a voluntary service organisation, made up of volunteers across the globe who form Clubs, that work in their local communities to help those in need. Since the Lions first brought MedicAlert to the UK over 40 years ago, this life saving service has grown to reach over a quarter of a million people, saving countless lives year in year out. Today MedicAlert is an independent non-profit making registered charity, recognised across the country as the best among medical identification systems, providing a service that works to protect and save lives with the invaluable support of the Lions.
With the invaluable help and support of Lions Clubs, MedicAlert is able to reach pharmacies, doctor's surgeries and hospitals across the country, providing literature to the places where it can make the most difference and reach people in need of this life saving service.
Through the involvement of Lions Clubs in their local communities, the MedicAlert service has found its way into local patient support groups, often formed by individuals themselves with various medical conditions, making people aware of what a difference the MedicAlert service can make to their lives. Lions Clubs have taken the message to other community organisations, encouraging people to work together to make sure everyone in their community is protected and need not live with the insecurity hidden medical conditions can cause.
'I'm proud to be the MedicAlert Multiple District Officer for the Lions Clubs. Im very aware of how important the work of MedicAlert is to vulnerable people within our communities. To find out more, contact your MedicAlert district officer.'
MDO Lion Eric Nixon
How can the Lions help MedicAlert?
Those Lions interested in getting their Club more involved in supporting MedicAlert can contact their MedicAlert District Officer, listed in the LIONS MD Directory, for literature to distribute among their community. Alternatively, here are some other ways in which Clubs can help MedicAlert increase awareness and reach groups we would not otherwise be able to reach:
Encourage local GP Surgeries, hospital clinics and community centres to display posters and distribute leaflets.
- Give a short talk to local community groups about MedicAlert, such as a local patient support group, a branch of Women's Institute or Age Concern.
- Organise a fun and exciting fundraising event for MedicAlert in your community such as - a dance competition, swimathon, cycle ride, or record breaking attempt
- Get involved with the Green to be Seen campaign, distributing bright green identity wristbands to be worn at summer events, helping reunite lost children with their parents or guardians
- Sponsor people in your community that are in need of MedicAlerts life saving service
- Nominate a MedicAlert Officer at your Club that can take the lead on all MedicAlert related activity.
'Budleigh Salerton Lions Club holding the Annual Balloon Race to raise funds for MedicAlert.'
From the Lions Mouth
"I have spent time traveling around the country giving presentations about MedicAlert to various Lions Clubs and to Branches of organizations such as The Parkinson Disease Society and The Women's Institute. This has resulted in greater awareness of MedicAlert and how it benefits those in need. In some cases, carers and members of the Medical profession were in attendance leading to requests for presentations at other meetings. This means more and more people being aware of the MedicAlert Emblem and helping to save more lives."
Lion John Banks, 105SE
MedicAlert Emblem: Saving Time, Saving Lives
Desmond Gilhooly from Kilcock, Ireland, has epilepsy and mild asthma, he wore his MedicAlert bracelet every day for around 15 years and fortunately never required MedicAlert's emergency service. That was until one weekend in September last year when Desmond's parents were due to meet his new fiancée's mother for the first time.
Desmond never made it to his parent's house. He lost control of his car, which flipped over and skidded along the road. He was driving alone and suffered a seizure. Although doctors are still unsure if the seizure caused the accident or the accident caused Desmond to have a seizure. Fortunately, a motorist travelling behind Desmond called emergency services, which arrived on the scene to cut him out of his car.
The paramedics spotted Desmond's MedicAlert Emblem on his wrist and were able to find out that he was epileptic, what medication he was on and what to avoid. Desmond's family were quickly contacted using next of kin details from his MedicAlert records, and they arrived at the hospital ahead of him in the ambulance.
Thanks to his MedicAlert Emblem, the paramedics arrived at the hospital with more information than they had expected, and were able to notify Accident & Emergency doctors of his MedicAlert bracelet, medical condition and relay important medical information.
To find out more about how your Lions Club can support MedicAlert and to request resources you can find your MedicAlert District Officer in the Lions Directory or contact Chris Lunn at the MedicAlert Offices on Tel. 020 7923 6489.
