Three National Pharma Companies to Contribute to Dispensary’s Continued Access Program
November 18, 2009
Through a pioneering program – the Continued Access Program – the Dispensary of Hope is opening access to a consistent supply of critical medications to tens of thousands of Tennessee’s uninsured citizens.
(Nashville, Tenn.) - Through a pioneering program - the Continued Access Program - the Dispensary of Hope is opening access to a consistent supply of critical medications to tens of thousands of Tennessee's uninsured citizens.
The program is a partnership between the Dispensary of Hope and three leading pharmaceutical companies including Novartis, Merck and AstraZeneca.
"These companies have shown leadership, generosity and a shared commitment to helping patients through their collaboration with us on this new program," said Scott Cornwell, COO of the Dispensary of Hope. "This partnership has great potential for our entire state. We look forward to its growth so that more Tennesseans can access affordable medication.
Through the Continued Access Program, the Dispensary will help pharma organizations administer their prescription assistance programs (PAPs) through a central-fill, mail-order pharmacy. The pharmacy fills and delivers prescriptions to the uninsured so that thousands of Tennesseans with chronic conditions can access medications they need. Medications to treat a variety of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders, will be available through the program. As a result, the program is expected to reduce healthcare costs associated with hospital, clinic and pharmacy visits.
"This is a great example of a public-private initiative that will allow thousands of Tennesseans to lead healthier lives," said Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, Tennessee Commissioner of Health. "We are pleased to support this effort to provide better access to needed medications for the uninsured."
The Dispensary of Hope, representatives of each pharma manufacturer and Commissioner Cooper announced the partnership at a public event this morning.
Patients can enroll in the Continued Access Program by calling (888) 428-HOPE to find a dispensing site near them or by applying directly through the Dispensary of Hope website. Go to www.dispensaryofhope.org to view the formulary, patient eligibility and print an application for enrollment.
About the Dispensary of Hope
Founded in 2003, the Dispensary of Hope is a not-for-profit social venture that provides sustainable access to medicine for underinsured communities through a growing network of dispensing sites across the country. The Dispensary has collected and distributed tens of millions of dollars worth of pharmaceuticals and filled more than 200,000 prescriptions for patients who otherwise couldn't afford them. For more information, visit www.dispensaryofhope.org.
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**See Below for Statements from the Pharmaceutical Companies
Novartis
"At Novartis, we put patients first and seek to ensure that all patients, including those who cannot afford treatments, have access to our innovative life saving medicines. In 2008, our access-to-medicines programs reached 74 million patients globally. We believe our participation in this program can help many of the uninsured in Tennessee get access to the medications they need," said Kevin Rigby, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications.
Merck
"At Merck, we believe that no one should go without the medicines or vaccines they need. "That is why the company provides its medicines and adult vaccines for free or at discounts to people who do not have prescription drug or health insurance coverage. So, on behalf of the Merck Patient Assistance Program, Inc., we are very honored to be part of this exciting day. Participation in the Dispensary of Hope Program is consistent with the Foundation's mission of having a long standing commitment of providing access to patients in need," said Marilyn Mainardi, Access Program Manager.
AstraZeneca
"At AstraZeneca, we understand that our medicines do not do patients any good if they cannot access them," said Jennifer McGovern, Director, Patient Assistance Programs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. "We look forward to working with the Dispensary of Hope to improve the health of patients in need in Tennessee."
Media Contact:
Lauren Fulton
(615) 254-0575
lfulton@jarrardinc.com
