Food Allergy Counseling: A Partnership between FARE and MedicAlert Foundation

I've been wearing a MedicAlert Bracelet since my senior year of college and I talked about that in this blog post.

I'm wearing that same MedicAlert Bracelet in my Allergic Girl: Adventures in Living Well with Food Allergies (Wiley, 2011) book trailer:



I'm showing that same MedicAlert bracelet off in the NY1 news spot with Chef Nick Anderer of Maialino in New York City.

And now, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE ), MedicAlert Foundation have joined to offer a "...10% discount on membership, 20% of the proceeds from your [MedicAlert Foundation] membership will support FARE " in fulfilling its mission to advance food allergy education, advocacy, awareness and research." 

Here's more from a joint press release and from the MedicAlert Foundation website today, June 18, 2013: 

Food Allergy Counseling: A Partnership between FARE and 

Through our valued partnership with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) , MedicAlert Foundation is pleased to offer the MyVoice program to FARE supporters, which provides special discounts on our memberships. MedicAlert's medical IDs and services will help protect you or your loved one - at home or wherever you may be during an emergency.

In addition to a 10% discount on membership, 20% of the proceeds from your membership will support FARE in fulfilling its mission to advance food allergy education, advocacy, awareness and research. Additionally, FARE supporters who enroll in MedicAlert membership and order a MedicAlert medical ID can enter coupon code: FARE during check out to take $10.00 off the purchase price of their medical ID.*

A food allergy diagnosis is life-changing. Avoiding the allergen is not always easy, and despite constant vigilance, accidental exposures can occur. Sever allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening, so every second counts.

When your child has a food allergy, everyday events like birthday parties, field trips, and eating in the school cafeteria can be hazardous to his or her health. Moreover, those with certain types of allergies (like food allergies) are at risk for a sudden, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – which is why every second counts in a life-threatening allergic reaction

Whether you have a food allergy yourself or are the parent of a child with food allergies, the MyVoice program is there for you to help communicate your vital medical information in an emergency situation.  MedicAlert Foundation stores your vital medical information (also known as Emergency Medical Information Record - EMIR®), and links it to your personalized medical ID. First responders are trained to recognize MedicAlert medical IDs in emergencies, and know to contact our 24/7 Live Emergency Response Service to obtain your medical information. Our services ensure emergency responders and hospital staff get your up-to-date medical information, the moment they need it, to make informed decisions about your treatment and care. In addition to our 24/7 Emergency Response service, we also offer 24/7 Family Notification and 24/7 Physician Notification service. 

FARE recommends individuals with food allergies use a medical ID, a practice that is also recommended in the food allergy clinicalguidelines developed by an expert panel sponsored by the National Institute ofAllergy and Infectious Diseases.