Talk Show Host, Montel Williams and Sherill Williams, Prevent Blindness Ohio helped educate Ohioans about Prescription Assistance Programs at the Ohio Statehouse, April 24, 2006
COLUMBUS – Prevent Blindness Ohio joined Montel Williams, Emmy-winning syndicated talk show host, author and motivational speaker to help educate Ohioans about Prescription Assistance Programs at the Ohio Statehouse.
The "Help is Here Express" made a stop in Columbus at the Ohio Statehouse on April 24th to offer help to anyone who is having trouble affording their prescription medicine. The "Help is Here Express" is a traveling education center making its way across the country to raise awareness and educate people about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a growing national program to help eligible patients access prescription medicines. Since its launch last April, the program – sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies working with doctors, pharmacists, health care providers and community groups – has matched more than two million patients nationally, and more than 97,000 right here in Ohio.
More than 70 national groups and a fast-growing list of state and local organizations, including Prevent Blindness Ohio are working with America's pharmaceutical companies to spread the word about the program.
Sherry Williams, Prevent Blindness Ohio President & CEO, represented patient advocacy groups at a Press Conference that kicked off the program and featured Montel Williams, Ohio Senator Ray Miller, Franklin County Commissioner Dewey Stokes and Ken Johnson, Sr. VP, Communications and Public Affairs, PHRMA.
Ms. Williams said, "use of the proper medication and compliance to treatment regimens as prescribed by one's eye care professional often has the greatest positive impact on patients with glaucoma and other eye diseases. Disadvantaged Ohioans on limited incomes often have to cut corners because of rising fixed or unexpected expenses. Glaucoma doesn’t cause any pain and robs sight so slowly that often people faced with accessing the medication or paying their rent, opt to skip their medication. Every dosage skipped brings a patient one step closer to loss of their vision. The serious effects on quality of life, mobility and long-term care are evident. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a marvelous example of a public private partnership that opens access to the holistic offering of health care that is vital for all Ohioans to enjoy good health, good vision and an enhanced quality of life.”
Through its toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) and user-friendly website (www.pparx.org), the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is the only program that provides a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
"Millions of patients are already receiving free or nearly free drugs from these programs, but it is clear that millions of other Americans from all over the country – in cities and rural areas alike – are not taking advantage of the help that is available to them," said Montel Williams, who regularly addresses critically important societal issues on his show.
"The PPA is a concerted and effective effort to reach those who still need help. And I’m going to do everything I can to get the word out. As a patient who must cope every day with the effects of multiple sclerosis, I understand only too well the importance of having access to the medicine you need," said Williams.
"The 'Help is Here Express' is an innovative way to increase awareness of a program that can benefit the millions of people who cannot afford their prescription medicines," said Sherry Williams, President and CEO, Prevent Blindness Ohio. "As one of the initial partners for Rx For Ohio, the first program of its kind in the country that served as a free clearinghouse for patient assistance programs and model for the national PPA, Prevent Blindness Ohio truly understands how important it is to make sure people are aware of this program. I encourage anyone who is having trouble paying for their medicines to call the toll-free number and find out if you may qualify for one of the hundreds of assistance programs offered by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and Rx For Ohio."
To find out if there are 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.
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Prevent Blindness Ohio, founded in 1957, is Ohio’s leading volunteer, nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight. It serves all 88 Ohio counties, providing direct services to more than 600,000 Ohioans annually and educating millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. Prevent Blindness Ohio is an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, the country’s second-oldest national voluntary health organization. For more information or to make a contribution, visit our website at www.pbohio.org or call 800-301-2020.
