‘Help Is Here’ bus visits Largo to assist patients
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Wednesday, March 26, 2008  |
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| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| Distributing information about free or low-cost prescriptions are, from left, Carolyn Harrell, office manager of Indian Rocks Medical Center of Largo, and Martin Kickliter and Jessica Wilson, bus staff members. |
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LARGO – The “Help is Here” Express bus arrived at the Indian Rocks Medical Center on March 20 to help uninsured and financially-struggling residents access information that provide prescription medicines at little or no cost.
The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies that raises awareness of patient assistance programs.
The project addresses the rising rates of chronic disease in the United States. Patients also can learn about new medicines in development to fight chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.
Ashley Zach, a spokesperson for the bus tour, said the project has assisted nearly 5 million patients, including about 350,000 in Florida.
The bus has visited all 50 states and more than 1,500 cities to raise awareness about patient assistance programs. It is staffed by trained specialists who help uninsured patients get information on more than 475 patient assistance programs, including about 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
“With the number of people affected by chronic disease increasing every year, the PPA and its message of hope is now more relevant than ever,” said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
The Milken Institute and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease estimates that there are more than 10 million cases of common chronic diseases in Florida, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, mental disorders, and pulmonary conditions. Those illnesses account for seven out of every 10 deaths in the United States.
Research shows that more than 1.3 million people in the country have heart disease, 905,000 suffer from cancer and 657,000 are affected by diabetes.
New medicines in development by pharmaceutical research companies include 277 life-saving and life-improving medicines for heart disease and stroke, 646 medicines to treat several types of cancer and 95 medicines are in development for diabetes.
In addition to the Largo stop, the bus traveled to New Port Richey, Winter Haven, Brooksville, Orlando, New Smyrna Beach and Panama City.
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Article published on Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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