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Montel Williams and Prescription Drug Assistance

By WKRG Staff

Published: Fri, September 14, 2007 - 3:58 pm Last Updated: Fri, September 14, 2007 - 4:03 pm

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/5169/

Emmy Award winning talk show host Montel Williams was in Mobile today with the "Help is Here Express." It's a big orange bus touring the country to help people who can't afford their prescription drugs. Montel is the spokesperson for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. program to help uninsured Americans get the medicines they need.

Hundreds of people turned out at USA Medical Center this morning to see Montel. They also wanted information about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.

Montel told the crowd, "This is the largest private sector initiative in this country. The Pharmaceutical Research Industry has given away almost 9 billion dollars worth of medication in two years."

It's a program especially close to his heart. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 9 years ago and medication is a vital part of his treatment. "Let me tell you something. I stand before you today and am capable of doing the job that I do everyday because I take about 2,500 dollars worth of medication a month every month."
Montel had tears in his eyes as he explained that many people aren't as fortunate as he is.

Gloria Luckie says the PPA program will help many people. "It's gonna really help a lot of people who can't get out and get their meds and really need meds. I'm blessed to have insurance, but hopefully this will help a lot of people who don't."

Yuvonne Brazier was impressed with Montel's sincerity. "I know he's hurting. I know he's busy, but he still took time and that's what we need in this country, someone that really cares."

"100 thousand people in this state have already been helped," said Montel. "That's what's so crazy. People say does that number really help? Are you kidding me? 4 million people have had medication delivered to their door step for free or nearly free. So why are you going to be the one that is left out."

The "Help is Here Express" awareness bus is just here for just a short time, but when it leaves help is still available. There's a toll free number and a website.

"There is no excuse for someone not to have medication in this country today if they need it. And don't wait for Uncle Sam to do it. Bingo Bango PPA is doing it for you."

PPA is sponsored by America's Pharmaceutical Research Companies. For more information go to www.pparx.org or call 1-888-4PPA-NOW.