INDIANAPOLIS (March 8) ? Governor Mitch Daniels today helped launch a new program that will use an army of volunteers to assist thousands of eligible Hoosiers access free or significantly reduced-cost prescription medication.

RxforIndiana is designed to simplify the process for Hoosiers to reach pharmaceutical companies that offer low-cost or free prescription medications. The Web site, which includes a Spanish-language version, is www.RxforIndiana.org. To reach RxforIndiana 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 RxforIndiana through Relay Indiana.

?It?s unacceptable that with every significant medicine available to low-income Hoosiers either free or at a sharply reduced rate, that fewer than one in 10 people who are eligible are aware of these savings and receive them,? said Daniels. ?We?re out to help these folks in the most Hoosier way possible, through an army of caring volunteers available to assist any citizen.?

Daniels joined representatives of the partner organizations at a news conference at the Southeast Health Center on Indianapolis? near south side to announce the launch of RxforIndiana.

?I also want to recognize Eli Lilly and Co. which at my request led the effort in conjunction with other pharmaceutical companies to organize this program and make it a reality,? said Governor Daniels.

RxforIndiana 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 Web site and toll-free line both opened for business today.

The governor?s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives will play a key role in organizing the volunteer training effort as awareness of RxforIndiana spreads across the state. Individuals who want to volunteer for the RxforIndiana program are asked to call 877/483-9275 to be directed to the Faith Based and Community Initiatives office, which is headed by Paula Parker-Sawyers.

Already, staff in each of the 92 county Family and Social Services Administration offices and the 16 Indiana Area Agency on Aging offices have been trained to help eligible residents use the Web site or guide them to the toll-free number.

?Through the sustained effort of our volunteers, Hoosiers will be helping Hoosiers learn about which programs they qualify for and how they can apply for free and discounted drug programs,? said the governor.

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

FSSA media contact: Anita Risdon, 317/232-1149, anita.risdon@fssa.in.gov