Your Health

Making Low-Cost, Lifesaving Medications Available

Posted 7/21/2010

Hundreds of Americans will soon be getting the medicine they need.

(NAPS)-Life may be a little easier--and a lot longer--for hundreds of people all over the country who need, but can't afford, certain medication.

What's Being Done

That's because medical and philanthropical organizations got together to address the needs of patients waiting for access to HIV medications. More than a million Americans have HIV or AIDs, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Many of them are on waiting lists for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides help and no-cost medication for those who cannot afford their medication but do not qualify for Medicaid assistance.

The program eliminates all enrollment forms for these patients. Enrollment is virtually automatic for anyone certified on the waiting list. These lists have greatly increased due to the fiscal budget crises.

The three groups are the Heinz Family Philanthropies, Abbott Labs and Welvista, a nonprofit organization that fills prescriptions for patients who are uninsured and underinsured. The Heinz Family Philanthropies health care programs use charitable dollars as a venture philanthropy fund, under the leadership of Teresa Heinz. "This solution is a great example of how business, philanthropy and nonprofits can create sustainable, long-term solutions together that actually work and help people. We invite other private-sector partners to support this effort to broaden the reach to more patients," said Jeffrey Lewis, president of the Heinz Family Philanthropies.

Ken Trogdon, chief executive officer of Welvista, agreed, saying, "It is our hope that other private-sector partners will join us to further expand the medication reach to even more patients."

Abbott makes the protease inhibitors that are important components of many HIV combination treatment regimens.

"Abbott supports extensive patient-assistance programs for people taking our HIV medications and this solution with the Heinz Foundation and Welvista is another important way to efficiently help patients in need obtain their anti-retroviral therapy at no cost," said Thad Smith, director of Patient Access Programs, Abbott.

Learn More

More information can be found at www.cdc.gov and www.welvista.org or by calling (803) 933-9183.

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