Watertown, New York ----- Samaritan Medical Center’s Lifeline personal response services achieved a new milestone recently by surpassing 700 local subscribers who rely on the 24-hours a day, 365 days-a-year service. The service provides quick assistance whenever personal support is needed, especially in a medical emergency.

“Helping individuals, especially seniors, live independently with confidence is a mission we hold close to our hearts and one that all of us take seriously,” states John Bell, Program Director. “We are proud to be part of an organization that helps support the active and independent lifestyle of elders in our community,” Mr. Bell added.

Lifeline is there when loved ones or caregivers cannot be. It allows subscribers and their family members go about their day-to-day activities with peace of mind. By simply pushing a lightweight, waterproof button that can be worn around the neck or wrist, a subscriber is connected to a highly trained monitor at a regional call center. The monitor has instant access to the caller’s complete health history, will quickly link each subscriber to the care they need locally. Lifeline monitors must undergo intensive training in gerontology, stress management and related topics aging before they are certified to answer subscriber calls.

Lifeline was established at SMC in 1985 and has responded to thousands of emergency calls since it was first established. In 2007 alone, Lifeline responded to 768 emergency calls.

For more information about Lifeline, call 785-4479.

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