April 5, 2005 —



Kensington, MD - The National Family Caregivers Association today announced its participation in the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a groundbreaking initiative to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors and other health care providers, patient advocates and community leaders.

The program offers a single point of access, through a toll-free phone number, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669), or Web site (www.pparx.org), to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

"We are proud to join the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. This initiative is important for the patients we work with every day who are uninsured or have trouble paying for health care," said Suzanne Mintz, President and Co-Founder of the National Family Caregivers Association. "Through this program, we now can assist eligible patients find the patient assistance program that's right for them with a single phone call or Web site visit."

To boost enrollment in patient assistance programs nationwide, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is rolling out an extensive grassroots awareness program. Over the next year, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance will work with community leaders to establish chapters in all 50 states. In addition, efforts will be supported by a substantial national broadcast and print advertising campaign. "Millions of Americans can benefit from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance," said Suzanne Mintz. "We will work with our community-based networks across America to help spread the word about this important program."

Patients who need help paying for their prescription medicines should call toll-free at 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or visit www.pparx.org.

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