EAST CHICAGO, Indiana (April 8, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels today encouraged members of the Hispanic/Latino community to utilize the services of the new Rx for Indiana program to learn more about companies that provide free or significantly reduced-cost prescription drugs.

 

The governor visited the Alse Clemente Center in East Chicago today as a part of his effort to encourage Hoosiers to visit the Rx for Indiana Web site. Since the start of the program on March 8, about 30,000 Indiana residents have learned they initially qualify for savings through Rx for Indiana.

 

At the Alse Clemente Center, which is a community service center for the Hispanic Community, the governor was joined by East Chicago Mayor George Pabey and Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez. Volunteers were available to assist local residents utilize the Web version of Rx for Indiana to initiate the process to determine eligibility.

 

“We want everyone who is eligible for this program to learn how they can achieve savings, so I am reaching out to all communities, including our important and growing Hispanic community to make them aware of Rx for Indiana,” said Daniels. “Spanish speaking operators and a Spanish-language version of the Web site program are available because we want our program to be easily accessible for everyone.”

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

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