Published: November 05, 2009 01:42 pm      

‘Help Is Here Express’ bus tour returns to Dalton

Helps patients in need access prescription medicines

The “Help is Here Express” bus tour will be in Dalton on Friday, Nov. 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., stopping at the Dalton-Whitfield Regional Library on Cappes Street to help uninsured and financially-struggling Georgians access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.

The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies, that raises awareness of patient assistance programs among residents who have faced layoffs or a loss of health care benefits in a struggling economy. Patients who visit the bus can also learn about new medicines in development to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. 

The PPA has helped nearly 6 million patients, including more than 251,000 Georgians. Since its launch in April 2005, the bus tour has visited all 50 states and more than 2,500 cities to raise awareness about patient assistance programs.

The “Help is Here Express” is staffed by trained specialists able to quickly help uninsured patients in need access information on more than 475 patient assistance programs, including nearly 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

When the “Help is Here Express” moves on, patients can visit PPA’s easy-to-use Web site (www.pparx.org) or call the toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) where trained operators field calls in 150 languages.

Other stops of the “Help Is Here Express” in Georgia include Macon and Carrollton.

“It is exciting that the ‘Help is Here Express’ accepted our invitation to come back to Georgia,” said Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. “Our goal is to provide increased access to health care to those who need it the most. In this current economy, some may struggle to afford needed medication. This event presents Georgians in the Dalton region with the opportunity to explore whether they qualify for free medicine or medicine at a greatly reduced cost.”