Video Story
Watch VideoHelp is in Pueblo for people with prescriptions
Story By: Ryan Wilson
Source: KOAA
The "Partnership for Prescription Assistance" created the "Help Is Here Express." It's a bus that goes to different cities, connecting people with programs that can save them money on the drugs they need to overcome problems, that can hold them back from their lives. And Wednesday, they were in Pueblo.
"How much off would it be?" a woman asked a crew member on the bus. "Anywhere between 20 and 70-percent depending on the medication," the crew member replied, while handing over an application. That piece of paper will hopeful lead to lower prescription prices and the woman is excited enough to give the crew member a high five.
The crew asks people if they have insurance, their age, and what their income is. Then, they find private and public foundations that can cut the cost of prescriptions.
"This is a way to simplify the process, to get the word out, and access to medicines is a big problem, the medicines do no good if they sit on the pharmacy shelves because people can't afford them," Karl Uhlendorf of the "help is Here Express" said.
About 40 people showed up, looking for help. Like Terry Toal, who had a stroke and couldn't afford the drugs he needs to recover. "It was costing me a lot of money for prescriptions," Toal said.
Josephine Solis doesn't have insurance, and is looking for some relief from a pricey prescription. "My income is low and I need help with some prescription medications," Solis said.
One study says there are 2-million people with chronic diseases in Colorado. This program connects them with 475 programs, that cover 25-hundred drugs.
"Although it's great that we've helped 60-thousand people (in Colorado), unfortunately, there are thousands more who are suffering from various chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes, cancer," Uhlendorf said.
This stop takes one step toward solving the problem. And with at least part of a solution at hand, now it's up to the people that need help, to help themselves.
And if you missed the stop today you can connect to their website, by clicking here, or you can call their toll free number, at 1-888-477-2669.
