http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2007/0 ... 1bdd99.txt
Help is Here!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 1:03 AM CDT
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By VIVA Correspondent Tavetta Patterson
The call for help with prescription assistance for the low-income, uninsured, and underinsured has been answered by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). Through the 'Help is Here Express' bus, PPA offers a single point of access to more than 474 patient assistance programs, including over 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, provides assistance for more than 2,500 brand-name medicines, including a wide range of generics, helps patients contact government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and (SCHIP ) State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Some local residents visited the 'Help is Here Express' bus with brown paper bags accompanied by daily medication, while others visited with enquiring minds seeking information. The bus tour is part of a national effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies. Since its launch in 2005, nationally, the PPA has helped nearly four million people, including nearly 200,000 Hoosiers through its Indiana chapter (Rx for Indiana). The 'Help is Here Express' is staffed with trained specialists who are able to quickly help low-income, uninsured or underinsured people in need, who lack prescription coverage find ways to access prescription medicines.
The bus was a sign of hope for Hammond resident and first time visitor, Bettye McNeil. She calmly stated, "I was in the hospital a week ago, and a person from the Pulmonary Department told me about the bus. I came today because the last year of my life has been somewhat frustrating trying to get help with the medication I need to treat chronic bronchitis. I really need help now, because during the summer months the condition worsens." Cheryl Leamon, PPA media contact stated, "The bus has visited ten cities in Indiana, including three visits in East Chicago"
If you did not have an opportunity to visit the bus in East Chicago there is still help available by calling: 1-888-4PPA-NOW. There are trained operators who can field calls in English, Spanish, and 150 other languages.