[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E536-E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PROCLAIMING APRIL 5, 2006 PATIENT ASSISTANCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an issue that 
affects millions of Americans-affordable medications. Millions of 
Americans lack health insurance and cannot access these vital 
innovations. While the government looks for sensible ways to help the 
45 million uninsured citizens there are private-sector programs in 
place that are helping millions of Americans no matter where you live.
  One program I have shared with my constituents is the Partnership for 
Prescription Assistance (PPA). The PPA is a national clearinghouse that 
links uninsured and underinsured people to patient assistant programs 
that offer drugs for free or nearly free. America's pharmaceutical 
research companies, along with 1,300 community and patient 
organizations launched the PPA in April 2005 and have since helped more 
than 1.9 million patients. Given the rising cost of prescription drugs, 
any attempts made by the private sector to alleviate the burdensome 
costs should be applauded.
  It is refreshing that this private-sector program has been so 
successful and committed to helping Americans in need access life-
saving medicines. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
proclaiming April 5 ``Patient Assistance Day'' and do their part on 
this day to inform their constituents about the great service the PPA 
provides to Americans in need.
  I have also included a statement from the Partnership for 
Prescription Assistance about ``Patient Assistance Day'' and an article 
from the Charlotte Observer that discusses the PPA's many successes in 
North Carolina.

              [From the Charlotte Observer, Mar. 21, 2006]

  Partnership for Prescription Assistance Launches National ``Patient 
             Assistance Day'' Celebration on April 5, 2006

       Washington, D.C.--The Partnership for Prescription 
     Assistance (PPA), a national program sponsored by America's 
     pharmaceutical research companies to help patients in need 
     access prescription medicines will commemorate its one-year 
     anniversary by launching the first annual ``Patient 
     Assistance Day'' on April 5, 2006 and announcing a major 
     enhancement to the program. The celebration will consist of 
     educational activities across the country to raise awareness 
     of and help educate the public about patient assistance 
     programs. The PPA has

[[Page E537]]

     helped nearly 2 million patients to date, but millions more 
     can benefit.
       ``The PPA is an overwhelming success'' said Billy Tauzin, 
     President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and 
     Manufacturers of America. ``But our job isn't done. We are 
     declaring April 5 `Patient Assistance Day'--a day when all 
     Americans can join with us to help patients in need.''
       Through a toll-free number (l-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 could provide help on more than 
     2,500 medicines, including a wide range of generic medicines.
       ``We are calling on all Americans to help us spread the 
     word,'' said Montel Williams. Emmy award-winning TV talk show 
     host and National PPA Spokesman. ``All of us know someone who 
     needs assistance. Help could be as close as a single phone 
     call to our toll free number.''
       More than 1,300 national and local organizations, including 
     the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Urban 
     League, United Way of America, Easter Seals and the National 
     Alliance for Hispanic Health, have partnered with America's 
     pharmaceutical companies to make the PPA a success.
       For additional information on patient assistance programs 
     that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-
     888-4PP A-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained 
     specialist or visit www.pparx.org.
 ____


       New Program Will Help Uninsured Get Cheaper Prescriptions

                          (By Valerie Bauman)

       Aug. 2, 2005.--North Carolina residents who must struggle 
     with the decision of whether to pay their rent, feed their 
     families or buy much-needed medications now have a new 
     option.
       A partnership of doctors, pharmaceutical companies, patient 
     advocates and other health-care providers launched a program 
     Tuesday designed to help the uninsured and underinsured 
     obtain medicine at a lower cost.
       Members of the group assess patients' eligibility for 
     public and private prescription assistance and gives them 
     options from among more than 475 programs around the country. 
     Sorting through the information can be daunting and time-
     consuming for many sick or disabled people.
       The North Carolina chapter of the Partnership for 
     Prescription Assistance will help doctors and patients access 
     the programs and figure out which will provide the most 
     financial relief.
       ``It's wonderful. It's like a single place to go to,'' said 
     Linda Woodall, an advocate for the National Multiple 
     Sclerosis Society of North Carolina. ``Before you would have 
     to apply to the different drug companies (for financial 
     assistance), and for people with MS especially, it's 
     important that you stay on the medicine.''
       People seeking help can either call a toll-free number or 
     go to a Web site for assistance. After patients answer a few 
     questions a list of programs will be provided to them with a 
     minimum of effort or paperwork.

                          ____________________