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THE
SUNCOAST HEALTH COUNCIL RECEIVES $20,000 GRANT
FROM THE BAXTER INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
Grant to Facilitate
Increased Access to Prescription Drugs for the Uninsured
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.,
October 15, 2002 - The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic
arm of Baxter International, Inc., has awarded a $20,000 grant to the
Suncoast Health Council, which works to expand access to quality, affordable
health-care services within Florida's Pinellas and Pasco counties. The
grant will support the expansion of the Compassionate Drug Patient Assistance
Program, designed to facilitate access to prescription drug services for
uninsured residents.
Approximately 14 percent
of residents under the age of 65 are uninsured in the Tampa Bay area,
with the majority represented by low-income working families. The most
common causes of death among Tampa Bay residents include heart disease,
cancer, diabetes and lung disease-chronic medical conditions requiring
ongoing medical treatment and access to prescription medications. However,
people living on a limited income and without insurance often may forgo
purchasing prescription medications to instead pay for other daily necessities,
such as food and shelter. A lack of access to prescription drugs can exacerbate
chronic health conditions and contribute to more serious and costly health
problems, including hospitalization.
"Access to prescription
drugs is a critical element in the effective management of chronic disorders,"
said Elizabeth Rugg, executive director, Suncoast Health Council, "By
supporting expansion of the Compassionate Drug Patient Program, The Baxter
International Foundation Grant will allow more people without insurance
access to affordable medications and will help to prevent more costly
and serious health conditions."
The Compassionate
Drug Patient Assistance Program was created in 2000, after the Health
Council and the local community identified as a critical concern the ability
of area residents to access primary health-care services in an efficient
and cost-effective manner. Currently, there are 1300 clients enrolled
in the program. Last year, the Compassionate Drug Patient Assistance Program
saved each person an average of $764 in prescription costs.
"Suncoast is
taking a thoughtful approach to addressing serious health-care needs in
the Tampa Bay community by increasing access to prescription drugs for
the uninsured," said Patricia Morgan, executive director of The Baxter
International Foundation. "The Baxter International Foundation is
proud to support them in their efforts to increase access to quality,
affordable health care in their local community."
The Suncoast Health
Council, established in 1983, is a non-profit community health planning
organization located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Health Council is
one of eleven community health planning entities created by the Florida
Legislature to identify, address and resolve health-care issues of local
concern. The Health Council works independently to expand access, affordability
and quality of health care services within its specific planning district,
and collaborates with its sister affiliates to resolve health-care issues
that transcend district boundaries. For more information on The Suncoast
Health Council, call (727) 217-7070.
As the philanthropic
arm of Baxter International Inc., The Baxter International Foundation
helps to increase access to health care in the United States and other
countries. In 2001, foundation grants totaling $4.8 million improved access
to care for children, the uninsured and the elderly, helped prevent child
abuse and neglect, promoted health education, expanded education opportunities
for health-care providers, and helped victims of global disasters.
Baxter International
Inc. is a global medical products and services company that, through its
subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening
conditions. Baxter employs more than 1,000 people at its facility in Largo,
Fla.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
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- Media Contacts:
- Tanya Tyska, Baxter, 847-948-3256
Elizabeth Rugg, Suncoast Health Council, 727-217-7070
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