EVANSVILLE, Indiana (March 18, 2005) ? Ten days after announcing the start of a new program that links Hoosiers to companies providing free or significantly reduced-cost prescription medications, Governor Mitch Daniels reported that Rx for Indiana has already assisted nearly 33,000 people.

During a visit to an Rx for Indiana open house where volunteers from AmeriCorps, Work One, Community Action Program of Evansville, the Pigeon Township Trustee?s Office and Goodwill helped Evansville area residents determine their eligibility for assistance, the governor said that more and more people are learning about the program. Since implementation of Rx for Indiana on March 8, 32,849 people or 62.8 percent of those who have inquired have learned that they initially qualify for savings.

?We?re finding that the typical patient will be saving thousands of dollars,? said Daniels. ?It?s already clear that savings to Hoosiers will run into the tens of millions of dollars. And we?re making this happen in the most Hoosier way possible ? through the efforts of volunteers helping friends and neighborhoods in need.?

About 60 health care, community, business and consumer groups are partnering in Rx for Indiana, which is designed to simplify the process for Hoosiers to reach pharmaceutical companies that offer low-cost or free prescription medications. Volunteers throughout the state are being trained to help others use the Web site, which is www.RxforIndiana.org. The Web site includes a Spanish-language version.

To reach Rx for Indiana by phone, use the toll free number 877/793-0765 (trained Spanish-speaking operators are available). Persons who are Deaf or hearing impaired may contact Rx for Indiana through Relay Indiana.

The governor will participate in a number of other regional launches of Rx for Indiana this spring.

Rx for Indiana links patients with information about pharmaceutical assistance programs provided by various companies and through the state or federal government. Information about more than 275 public and private programs that provide more than 1,800 prescription medications is available.

The governor?s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives is playing a key role in organizing the volunteer training effort as awareness of Rx for Indiana spreads across the state. Individuals who want to volunteer for the Rx for Indiana program may call 877/483-9275.

-30-

Media contact: Jane Jankowski, Office of the Governor, 317/232-1622, jjankowski@gov.in.gov