NeedyMeds

Hi Joey,

Here is the press release that was sent out to area newspapers last week. It appeared in the Cape Ann Beacon last week page 3. As you will read in the press release, it has been endorsed by a number of creditable organizations in Gloucester plus Mayor Kirk.

Thank you for any consideration.

Best,
Robin Hoffman
NeedyMeds.org

Gloucester Drug Discount Card a Big Success

Gloucester residents save more than $36,000 on over 1,300 prescriptions with the free Gloucester Fund drug discount card.

Gloucester, MA June 1, 2010 — Richard J. Sagall, MD, president of NeedyMeds and a Gloucester resident, reported to the Gloucester City Council that in the first six months of operation, the free Gloucester Fund drug discount card has saved Gloucester residents over $36,000. It also generated nearly $350 for the Gloucester Fund – money that will be used for health-related projects in the city.

The card, accepted at all the pharmacies on Cape Ann and at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, saved card users an average of $27.75 for each of the 1,311 times it was used.

“The Gloucester Fund card is one of our most successful partnerships,” said Sagall. “It’s consistently used by people more often than any other partnership card. This is a sign that there are still a lot of people who need help paying for their medicines.”

The card, a joint project of NeedyMeds and the Gloucester Fund, is provided free to any Gloucester or Cape Ann resident. It’s part of a nationwide project to get the NeedyMeds drug discount card into the hands of anyone who has no prescription drug insurance or needs help paying for their prescription medicines.

According to Mayor Carolyn Kirk, “The card has been and continues to be a big help to many Gloucester residents. Medication costs are a problem for many people in Gloucester. I hope more people will use the card.”

Barry Pett, president of the Gloucester Fund, said, “Partnering with NeedyMeds to save people money on their prescriptions and then give back to the City of Gloucester Health Department to fund projects related to the citizens of the city is a win, win, win; hopefully this contribution will continue to both save and give back for years to come. Thanks to NeedyMeds for partnering with The Gloucester Fund, and thanks for helping keep the costs of health care down for our citizens.” NeedyMeds is donating $327.75 to the fund for citywide health-related projects.

Nationwide, in April the NeedyMeds drug discount card saved users nearly a quarter of a million dollars on prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies, and pet prescription drugs purchased at a pharmacy.

Commenting on the popularity of the cards, Carol Gray, executive director of the Sawyer Free Library said, “NeedyMeds cards literally fly out of the library and we’re very happy to be a location that supplies them to the community. It’s a great service.”

Many local groups are cooperating to help distribute the card. Cards are available at The Sawyer Free Library, Cape Ann Medical Center, The Cape Ann YMCA, The Gloucester Family Health Center, Addison-Gilbert Hospital, The Rose Baker Senior Center, The Open Door, SeniorCare and the Gloucester Department of Health.

A card can also be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to NeedyMeds, P.O. Box 219, Gloucester, MA 01931.

“I am most impressed with the dedicated work of Dr. Rich Sagall and NeedyMeds. For folks without full or any insurance to have affordable access to prescription medication is truly a blessing,” said Rick Doucette, of the Cape Ann YMCA. He continued, ” I know of several families I work with who, in the past, were forgoing getting prescriptions filled. They were incredibly grateful and relieved when I was able to introduce them to the program.”

“I hope everyone will get a card,” Sagall said. “Although it can’t be used in conjunction with insurance, Medicare, or other state or federal programs, it can be used when the drug isn’t covered by these programs or instead of insurance if the card’s price is better. Many people on Medicare Part D told me they used the card when in the donut hole.”

NeedyMeds is hoping to expand the program by partnering with other cities and towns and nonprofits nationally.

About NeedyMeds:
NeedyMeds, a Glucester-based national nonprofit, is a comprehensive and reliable source of information on assistance available for people having difficulties paying for their medications or health care. The website (www.needymeds.org) is visited by approximately 13,000 people each workday. All of NeedyMeds’ information is always free, easy to access, and updated regularly. Unlike similar sites, NeedyMeds requires no registration. All the information is easily printed.

About the Gloucester Fund:
The Gloucester Fund, Incorporated is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization founded 10 years ago to partner with others to raise funds for worthy causes in the Gloucester and greater Cape Ann community. Beneficiaries of the fundraising have been very diverse, ranging from fire victims to flags on the boulevard, from City Hall restoration to survivors of fishing tragedies, community events such as fireworks, the Middle Street walk and the Christmas parade, and many more. To date, The Gloucester Fund is proud to say it has passed on 100% of all monies raised to those beneficiaries.

Contact Information:
Richard J. Sagall, MD
President
NeedyMeds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219
Gloucester, MA 01931
978-281-6666
richsagall