People shouldn't have to choose between feeding their family or filling an essential prescription -- but thousands of uninsured Virginians are forced to make that choice everyday. Others try to stretch their prescriptions by cutting their pills in half or taking them less often, only to discover, too late, that, by doing so, the medicines were ineffective. VHCF is dedicated to helping Virginians receive the medications they need, but can't afford. To do so, VHCF has launched a number of medication access initiatives and partnerships that are increasing access to prescription medicines. In 2007 alone, VHCF's innovative software program, The Pharmacy Connection, helped 53,000 eligible, uninsured Virginians with chronic illnesses receive $101 million in free prescription medications. Altogether, VHCF's The Pharmacy Connection has provided over $584 million in free medications to more than 165,903 uninsured, chronically ill Virginians. To complement and improve upon this success, VHCF launched RxRelief Virginia, strengthening and creating Medication Assistance Programs (MAPs) in 70 localities in several regions of the state. Local MAPs help qualifying, uninsured individuals with chronic illnesses obtain needed prescription medicine free of charge. VHCF also has played a leading role in establishing the RxPartnership (RxP). The RxP solicits free prescription medicines in bulk from pharmaceutical companies and arranges for their distribution directly to nonprofit affiliate agencies, which it credentials and monitors. RxP affiliates typically are free clinics and community health centers which operate pharmacies. Each of these initiatives represents a strong working partnership between VHCF, community-based health care providers, pharmaceutical companies and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Working as a team, communities around Virginia are becoming stronger and better equipped to meet medication needs. The result? Healthier Virginians and a healthier Virginia.
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