health
By Larry Lucas
As Americans struggle to
make ends meet in today’s weak economy, they are forced to make sacrifices. For the lucky ones, this may only mean skipping luxuries like dining out, a new TV or expen- sive clothes. Unfortunately, too many others are forced to make graver sacrifices: their health and the health of their families. Since the recession began in 2007, nearly 8.4 mil- lion American jobs have been lost. Without the help of an employer’s financial contribu- tion to cover medical expens- es, countless patients aren’t able to access the health care they need, including their pre- scription medicines.
Access to quality care is
vital to overall health and well- ness, and health insurance plays a key role. When people don’t have any or enough health insurance, they are more likely to delay or forgo visits to the doctor, prescrip- tion medications and other treatments, even when they have chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pres- sure. Without regular access to treatment, these condi- tions can become debilitat- ing and even life threatening. The perfect storm created by chronic conditions and lack of proper health care hits the African-American community the hardest; more than 48 percent of African-American adults suffer from a chronic disease, and just under one in five are uninsured, accord- ing to a 2008 Commonwealth Fund study.
It’s not just adults that are feeling the pain. Uninsured
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
Patient assistance programs offer hope during tough times
PPA is an important life-
line to patients coping with fi- nancial hardship, particularly during this difficult economy. Now more than ever, the ser- vices that PPA provides are crucial to the growing number of uninsured and underin- sured Americans. That’s why America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are launching the next phase of PPA. This new initiative will employ the latest technology in order to expand the ways the program is able to help the people who need assistance the most.
Specifically, the next gen-
Larry Lucas
children are 20 percent to 30 percent more likely to lack immunizations, prescription medications, asthma care and basic dental care, according to the Institute of Medicine. Uninsured children are also more likely to miss school due to health problems and to experience preventable hospi- talizations.
Understanding the acute
need to help the uninsured, five years ago America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies launched the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a nationwide effort to help pa- tients who lack prescription coverage access information about more than 475 avail- able patient assistance pro- grams. The response has been remarkable: Since it began in April 2005, PPA has helped connect more than 6.5 million people to patient assistance programs that provide free or nearly free medicines.
eration of PPA, called PPA 2.0, focuses on expanding commu- nity partnerships and enhanc- ing PPA’s mobile and online presence to make it even easier to get information about pa- tient assistance programs. In an effort to utilize technology to reach more people in more places, PPA 2.0 will include a text hotline and smart phone application, in addition to the existing toll-free hotline and website, to ensure 24/7 access to information about the pro- grams offered through PPA.
No one should have to go
without their medicines be- cause they can’t afford them. As our country continues on the long road to economic re- covery, programs like PPA are providing real relief for some of America’s most vulnerable patients and those struggling to lead healthy lives after losing their jobs and benefits.
Larry Lucas is a vice presi-
dent for Pharmaceutical Re- search and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
Michigan Dairy industry launches website to tell dairy’s story
Got questions? Michigan’s
dairy farmers want to make sure you have the answers from reliable trusted sourc- es. The Michigan Dairy News Bureau, the center for sci- ence-based information about dairy farming, launched the michigandairynewsbureau.org for the public and the media to learn about cow care, envi- ronmental/sustainability prac- tices, and dairy food safety.
Nine Michigan dairy farm
families are featured on the site. Visitors can view photos of their farms, their families, and hear them discuss their on-farm practices. Veterinar- ians and Michigan State Uni- versity extension personnel discuss how they work with farmers to provide protocols and new information aimed at animal care and conserving natural resources.
The Michigan Dairy News
Bureau is a division of the United Dairy Industry of Mich- igan, the umbrella organiza- tion for the American Dairy Association of Michigan and Dairy Council of Michigan.
For more information visit
michigandairynewsbureau. org.
April 14-20, 2010
Poetic Reflections
Characteristics
I am beautiful inside and out I am sweet and never full of doubt I love to be liked and like to be loved I created the sun, moon and stars above I am complete and I am whole I go down deep to understand your soul I fill emotions when man is delinquent I look forward to a loving commitment I am often plentiful, you cry when there’s none I melt away tears leaving others want- ing some I go forward for your destiny awaits I am full of mercy and filled with grace I give you often what you want and always what you need I encourage strength, patience, and continuing to believe I am the Alpha and Omega, the begin- ning and the end I am the Almighty and a faithful friend
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B.B. Rye
I was there through it all even at the start I hope you continue to be strong Embrace me in your heart.
© 2010 by B.B. Rye
A SONNET FOR ROSIE
SHE PLAYS WITH HER TOYS JOYFUL- LY, NEVER MINDING THE CARES OF THE WORLD I SMILE AT HER WITH THE GLOW OF A LOVING FATHER, SHE SEEMS TO KNOW AND SMILES
BACK HER EYES SHINE SO BRIGHT IT NEARLY BRINGS TEARS TO MINE JOY, JOY, OH SUCH JOY I LOOK AROUND THE ROOM AND TAKE IN HER PERSONALITY… DOLLS, HORSES, TOY DISHES, ALL WHAT MAKES HER THE BEAUTIFUL CHILD SHE IS SHE COMES TO ME AND NESTLES HER HEAD ON MY CHEST I TAKE IN THE SWEET AROMA OF HER HAIR, AND HOLD HER CLOSE TO ME AT THAT MOMENT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN THE WORLD FOR I HAVE MY ROSIE, AND ALL I FEEL IS JOY, JOY OH SUCH JOY
Arvis Perry
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