The 2013 Centre LifeLink membership campaign is officially under way. Each fall, Centre Region residents are encouraged to enroll as a Centre LifeLink member, ensuring them that they will have no out-ofpocket expenses for unlimited emergency ambulance service provided by Centre LifeLink EMS. Memberships are available beginning this week, and residents in Centre LifeLink’s coverage area will be sent a membership brochure with information on how to participate.

With many insurance companies raising the price of out-of pocket deductibles, members can save an average of $300 for basic life support calls and more than $500 for advanced life support paramedic service — these are the average costs nonmembers pay. Individual memberships cost $35 and family memberships cost $55 for a one-year period beginning Jan. 1 and ending Dec. 31, 2013.

This year, residents will have the new option of purchasing gift memberships. Gift memberships are ideal for a family who could benefit from a Centre LifeLink membership, but may not have the financial resources to purchase one. Gift memberships will be available for purchase in the membership brochure, and on the Centre LifeLink EMS website.

In addition to saving residents money, a Centre LifeLink membership helps keep this vital service available in the community. As a nonprofit organization, Centre LifeLink relies, in part, on tax-deductible donations and funds raised through the annual membership drive. Membership revenue and donations allow LifeLink to purchase life-saving equipment, such as the LUCAS chest compression system that has improved the cardiac arrest survival rate in the Centre Region. Last year, donations from the membership drive also allowed Centre LifeLink to replace a high-mileage 1998 ambulance with a new one.

Local families will have the opportunity to purchase a discounted family membership at Centre LifeLink’s safe trick-or-treat event, co-hosted with the State College Spikes and B94.5, “Safe and Seen in the Ballpark.” The safe trick-or-treat event is free and will also feature games, crafts, and other seasonal activities. All families in attendance will be given a 10 percent discount on a family membership at the event. “Safe and Seen in the Ballpark” will be held from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 28 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Centre LifeLink provides 24-hour emergency service for the borough of State College; College, Harris, Ferguson and Patton townships, and mutual aid to surrounding areas of Centre and Huntingdon counties.

Residents of the Centre Region will receive 2013 membership brochures in the mail this week, and registration is also open online at www.centrelife   link.com  .

Lauren Wells is marketing manager for Centre LifeLink She can be reached at 237-8163.