'Help is Here' for prescriptions
Rhonda and Louis Hale both need some heavy-duty medications to keep them going, and with three children, ages 7, 5 and 3, it's particularly important for them both.
So when they heard Sunday morning that the "Help is Here Express" would be at First Baptist Church of North Augusta on Monday, they saw some hope.
The "Help is Here Express" is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance effort to help uninsured and financially struggling folks all over the country access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.
"There are lots of people who need help," admitted Mark Grayson, who is with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. He pointed to layoffs and the economy in general that have caused more folks to seek assistance.
The Hales are a perfect example. Rhonda has a long-standing seizure disorder, with up to 35 seizures just in the last two weeks. With medication, the problem is somewhat abated.
"I want to be a part of my children's lives," she said of her frustration with the constant seizures.
"My kids know something is wrong with me," she said, noting her daughter will say, "Mommy's sick again."
Louis added that when Rhonda has a seizure, the kids will often climb in bed with her and whisper, "It's going to be OK ... We love you mommy," and then "they'll fall asleep with her," he added.
At the same time, Louis has been diagnosed as bipolar with post-traumatic stress syndrome, both of which hinder his ability to work in his profession as a mechanic.
The PPA program is a way for the Hales and others like them to get the drugs they need so they can lead more productive lives.
After their consultation with the folks on the "Help is Here Express," the Hales had in hand places to apply for free medications. "They gave us information on free clinics and ways to go through the (medicine) manufacturers to get discounts."
And meanwhile, Louis explained they received a membership card that will give them a 20 to 30 percent discount in a number of local drug stores.
"We can use that right away," he said.
Grayson noted that anyone who needs help can call (888) 4PPA-NOW or visit www.pparx.org for step-by-step assistance that will show for what the individual is eligible.
Since its inception, the PPA bus has been in South Carolina eight times in the last four years, Grayson said. He noted that 250,000 in Georgia and 130,000 in South Carolina have been served during that time.
"I know there are a lot more people who need help," he said, emphasizing that those who might need the help should be aware that the service is completely free, that it's confidential and that it's for people of all ages.
Grayson said the information needed for the program is minimal - name of medications, annual income, insurance, etc.
"It then tells you what you qualify for." Grayson said the program is available in 150 languages.
He pointed out the program is sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies themselves. "Many companies have had programs for a lot time," said Grayson, who explained that before the current program was established, many of the pharmaceutical manufacturers offered similar breaks for those in need directly through doctors' offices.
When the current program first started, Grayson said, "people didn't want to talk." He said with the economy as it is, more people are willing to accept the help.
"I don't look at it as a hand-out," Louis said. "I look at it as a hand up."