Partnership for Prescription Assistance Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary and Launch of 'PPA 2.0'

In an effort to help even more Americans who are uninsured and struggling financially, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) recently launched new online resources designed to expand the program's outreach. "PPA 2.0," an evolution of the nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, was unveiled here during a celebration of the PPA's five-year anniversary.

"PPA 2.0" introduces new online resources that expand community partnerships and enhance PPA's mobile and Internet presence to make it even easier to obtain information about PPA programs. In an effort to reach more people in more places, PPA is launching a new text hotline and smart phone application, in addition to the existing toll-free hotline and Web site, to ensure around-the-clock access to information about the more than 475 programs offered through the PPA. Nearly 200 of the programs are provided by pharmaceutical companies.

PhRMA Helps Launch ‘Healthy Generation’ Initiative

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), along with a diverse group of stakeholders, have partnered with the Washington Health Foundation (WHF) to unveil a new initiative that will help educate college students in Washington state about the proper use of medicines and provide resources to help prevent the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter products.

Recent reports suggest that prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are being misused at alarming rates. Friends, family members and even celebrities have undoubtedly been touched by this disturbing trend in one way or another. For this reason, Healthy Generation will be utilizing social networks and community advocacy resources, as well as providing training activities on college campuses, so that students have the tools they need to engage in healthy behaviors while also getting the support they need to help themselves or their friends.

WHF Prescription Drug Abuse 4x3 from Healthiest State on Vimeo.

'Sharing Miracles' to Feature Boston Red Sox Manager Terry Francona

Two-time World Series champion Terry Francona will be featured on April's episode of Sharing Miracles.

Francona – widely credited with breaking "the curse of the Bambino" in his first year in Boston – has led the Red Sox to World Series victory twice since being named manager in 2004, making him the first manager to ever win his first eight games in the Series. He now boasts the second-most wins of any manager in franchise history.

In this month's Sharing Miracles, he talks about life with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and chronic knee problems. "I've had my share of health issues and I know that I'm fortunate to be here," he acknowledges. "I was a little bit dumb and a little bit more than stubborn to have gotten on that plane and waited to go to the hospital, but fortunately I was young enough and strong enough to fight that initial embolism."