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The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
8 East Long Street, Suite 1200
Columbus, Ohio 43215

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2004

Contact: David Zwyer
(614) 466-5205
(800) 766-7426

Prescription Program Valuable for People with Disabilities

At its May meeting, the Health Committee of The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) learned about a new prescription drug program that provides valuable assistance for low-income people who are not on Medicaid and do not have prescription drug coverage. The Health Committee was excited about what this program might mean to people with disabilities.

Prescription Relief.org offers a program that makes it easy and affordable for people earning less than $16,000 per year ($25,000 a couple) to receive the prescription drugs they need for a minimal charge of $7 per prescription, per month. There is also an initial $25 fee that is reduced to $20 per year after the first year. Once a person has completed the one-page application form and enrolled, a three-month supply of the ordered medication is sent to the person’s doctor’s office for pick up. Afterward, Prescription Relief.org stays in contact with the patient, manages the extensive paperwork, tracks refills and "when necessary" communicates with doctors to ensure medication accuracy.

Prescription Relief.org can afford to offer such a complete service for a minimal price because it takes advantage of programs offered by pharmaceutical companies in which the companies donate medications to low income people. Prescription Relief.org also has highly computerized operations. Still, the program sounds too good to be true!

Policymakers are becoming aware of the benefits of the program. State Representative Linda Reidelbach who represents the 21st Ohio House District says, "Prescription Relief.org gives patients a sense of dignity and control, helping them avoid having to choose between buying groceries or buying their medications." In addition, the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and its 300 counselors are making Prescription Relief.org known to clients.

Prescription Relief.org is a nonprofit corporation located in Columbus. For additional information, contact Doug Pierce, Director of Operations at doug@prescriptionrelief.org, or see the website at www.prescriptionrelief.org. The mailing address is PO Box 182852, Columbus, OH 43272. You may also request applications by calling (866) 378-4686.

The ODDC is one of a national network of state councils committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. ODDC receives federal funding to help carry out its mission of developing new and better ways of advocating, increasing capacities to assist people, and making needed changes to systems.

ODDC consists of members appointed by the Governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.