American Red Cross Lifeline Provides
Peace of Mind
News Release: Aug. 1, 2001
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
Having an elderly, physically challenged or medically at-risk relative living alone can cause family members to worry about their safety. That's why there's Lifeline, a personal emergency response service provided by the Lehigh Valley American Red Cross in collaboration with Lifeline Systems, Inc.
Lifeline is the United States' leading provider of personal emergency response and support services for older adults. It provides caring and professional support by connecting individuals to personalized 24-hour response, 365 days of the year.
Here's how it works: When a Lifeline subscriber needs help, the individual presses a small button worn on the wrist or as a pendant. This immediately signals the response center, where trained Lifeline monitors determine the problem, its urgency and rapid assistance for the subscriber, if needed. While primarily used for medical emergencies, Lifeline can also be used to summon the fire department or the police in the event of other incidents.
"Last year, more than 1,000 individuals were served by Lehigh Valley American Red Cross Lifeline. Not only does Lifeline provide peace of mind to users and their loved ones, but it also enables elderly and physically challenged individuals to continue to live independently in their own homes," said Rich Domrzalski, manager-Health & Safety Marketing and Workplace Programs at the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. That assurance of safety was acknowledged in April 2001, when Lifeline Systems was awarded the 2001 Small Business of the Year by the American Society on Aging (ASA).
Earlier this year, the Red Cross conducted a survey of its Lifeline subscribers. The results indicated that 100 percent of the Lifeline users who responded felt: more secure, safe and independent with Lifeline in their home; it was a good value for the cost; was installed promptly; were very satisfied or satisfied with the Lifeline service they receive; and would recommend Lifeline to a relative or friend.
For more information about the American Red Cross Lifeline program, call Rich Domrzalski at the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross at (610) 865-4400, ext. 252 or E-mail domrzalskr@usa.redcross.org.
The Lehigh Valley Chapter Red Cross serves more than 620,000 residents in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 15,500 Lehigh Valley residents.
For more information about the Lehigh Valley Chapter, American Red Cross, visit www.redcrosslv.org.
