WASHINGTON, April 05, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Reaching a new milestone, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) today celebrates its two year anniversary of focusing attention on patient assistance programs that provide free or nearly free medicine to struggling Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. Sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, the PPA has already helped more than 3.6 million people nationwide, but millions of additional people could potentially qualify for assistance.
"We are proud of the PPA's accomplishments over the past two years. But today we are expanding our efforts to make sure patients who need help are aware of the many programs available to them," said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). "We are 100 percent committed to finding ways to help Americans live longer, healthier and more productive lives."
Through a toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) and user-friendly Web site (http://www.pparx.org), the PPA provides a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs that could offer help on more than 2,500 prescription medicines, including a wide range of generics. In addition, the PPA provides information on nearly 10,000 free healthcare clinics and has connected more than 135,000 patients with clinics and health care providers in their communities.
The bright orange "Help is Here Express" buses -- the PPA's traveling education centers -- are being featured today at events in Las Vegas, Nevada and Jackson, Mississippi. In Las Vegas, the PPA's national spokesman and Emmy-winning syndicated talk show host Montel Williams will attend the event. On the other side of the country in Jackson, PhRMA representatives will join local officials to make sure Mississippians are aware of the help that is available to them. Since its launch in April 2005, the "Help is Here Express" buses have visited all 50 states, more than 1,200 cities, and traveled over 150,000 miles helping people in need.
"The PPA continues to transform the lives of millions of patients in need," said Williams. "I am very fortunate to be able to get all the medications I need to battle my multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, many patients do not have the same access, and that is why the PPA is such a critically important resource for patients that need help accessing their medicines."
More than 1,300 national and local organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, National Urban League and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, are working with America's pharmaceutical research companies to help spread the word about the PPA.
For additional information on patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit http://www.pparx.org.
CONTACT: Ed Belkin of Partnership for Prescription Assistance,+1-202-835-3460
Web site: http://www.pparx.org/
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