Pharmaceutical bus visits Russellville

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Kaelan Hollon with Pharmacutical Research Manufacturers of America, said they typically see patients who are in their forties and underinsured or have a limited income, which results in them not being able to purchase the medications.
"It's the same story everywhere we go," Hollon said. "We see people who cannot afford their medication because they are too young for Medicare and don't qualify for Medicaid so they don't get the medication."
Hollon said she saw such a case in Franklin County Monday when the Partnership for Prescription Assistance bus rolled into Russellville.
"We had 10 to 15 people waiting for us here at 9 a.m." Hollon said. "That's an awesome response especially because of the rain."
Hollon said most people will fit some kind of program, and that she saw more of the same in Russellville.
"We had the typical situation here today," Hollon said. "A patient here in Russellville could not afford his medication so he just didn't take it. Within 15 minutes, we helped him find a program to help him get his medication."
The PPA Help is Here Express assists patients with the process of finding a program to help them, but if you missed the bus it's not too late to get help.
"Everything we can do here can be done online or over the phone," Hollon said. "We are here to help make it easier if we can."
The bus was at Russellville Hospital Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and saw a bigger turnout this year. The bus was headed to Decatur Monday afternoon, and to other North Alabama cities Tuesday and Wednesdays.
"We will cover the northern part of Alabama during the first part of the week, and by Friday, we'll be in Dothan," Hollon said.
Hollon urges everyone who helps prescription assistance and did not stop by the bus to call 1-888-477-2669 or log on www.pparx.org for assistance.
"Even if you missed the bus, you can still get help," Hollon said.