SYRACUSE, N.Y., April 5, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Partnership for Prescription Assistance of New York, the state chapter of the national program sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies to help people in need access prescription medicines, today commemorated its one-year anniversary by holding the first annual "Patient Assistance Day." Educational activities are taking place across the country today to raise awareness of and educate the public about patient assistance programs. The PPA has helped nearly 54,000 patients in New York and more than two million nationwide.
"The PPA is an enormous success," said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. "But we've identified even more ways to reach out to people in New York who have trouble affording their prescription medications. That's why ongoing enhancement of the PPA is a top priority so we can continue to identify and assist patients in need," he continued.
The PPA's newest feature is a national database that connects patients with free health clinics in their community. Often, access to a physician is the greatest obstacle for patients to overcome when completing applications for prescription assistance programs. Through the new database, the PPA hopes to alleviate the challenge of finding a physician for many patients across the country.
Launched nationally on April 5, 2005, the PPA has chapters in all 50-states as well as Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Through a toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) and user-friendly Web site (www.pparx.org), the PPA provides a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs that provide help on more than 2,500 medicines, including a wide range of generics.
"The PPA is making significant strides in helping people who truly need assistance paying for their prescription medicines," said PPA National Spokesman Montel Williams. "I am very proud to partner with the PPA to get patients matched to programs that provide medications at little or no cost."
Nearly 54,000 New York organizations, health care providers, patient advocacy groups and other key players in the health care system have partnered with America's research-based pharmaceutical companies to implement an innovative program for providing New York patients with access to programs that can help them obtain prescription medicines. Among the statewide organizations assisting the effort are the more than 140 partners.
"The PPA is a valuable resource in connecting patients in need to prescription assistance programs that are right for them," said Joe Medicis President of the New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists, "We remain committed to spreading the word about this important program."
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 www.pparx.org.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1814