Pass on the Gift of Health

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Urges All Americans To Pass on the Gift of Health this Holiday Season

New Easy to Send E-card on the PPA Web site

Washington, D.C. - During this holiday season, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) wants to remind all Americans that help is available for people struggling to access their prescription medicines. The PPA, sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, is the largest private-sector patient assistance effort to help low-income, uninsured and underinsured people obtain information on how they may access their prescription medicines from patient assistance programs. Since the launch of the program in April 2005, the PPA has helped more than 4.5 million patients, but many more stand to benefit.

"The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, but more importantly about giving back to those in need. America's pharmaceutical research companies are devoted to helping patients in need access the life-saving medicines our companies make," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). "So we hope that everyone will join our effort to reach even more individuals this holiday season by passing along the PPA's toll-free number or Web site to those who need it most."

People can help share the PPA message by visiting the PPA Web site (www.pparx.org) and sending a new, free e-card to a family member, friend or neighbor.

"I personally know how difficult it is to go without your prescription medicines, but thankfully I am one of the millions of patients who have found help through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance," said Sharon Woodbeck of Wayland, New York. "The holidays can be a tough time for people, and that is why there is no better gift then simply telling at least one other person about this program. It could literally save a life."

The PPA is a clearinghouse to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies and over 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines. In addition, the PPA provides information on nearly 10,000 free health care clinics and has helped more than 200,000 patients find clinics and health care providers in their communities.

Patients who need help should call the PPA's toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW), where trained operators field calls in more than 150 languages, or visit the easy-to-use Web site (www.pparx.org).