This letter was written by Lori Giang, Executive Director, to The Charlotte Observer's editor in response to the July 28th article regarding Physicians Reach Out titled "Medical outreach program may end":
Dear Editor:
Mecklenburg now randks in the top three counties for the number of non-elderly uninsured according to the NC Institute of Medicine. We must thank Karen Garloch for writing to inform the public about a much needed service: Physicians Reach Out (PRO). MedAssist of Mekclenburg with the help of the pharmaceutical industry's Patient Assistance Program has served PRO clients by providing them ongoing access to prescription drugs. Last year we provided PRO clients with $1,463,034 AWP for an acutal cost to PRO of $10, 131.
MedAssist will step up by continuing to care for PRO clients. Let us all pull together to support the providers of care for the low-income and uninsured. In addition to Physicians Reach Out there are: Bethesda Heath Center, Charlotte Community Health Clinic, Free Clinic of Our Towns, Lake Norman Free Clinic, Matthews Volunteers in Medicine, MedAssist of Mecklenburg, Project HealthShare, Inc. and Shelter Health Services. Together we are serving the county's low-income and uninsured residents. Together we are keeping people out of the emergency rooms where care is far more costly to the taxpayers. Together we are keeping residents working and paying taxes. Together we make Charlotte/Mecklenburg a wonderful place to live, work and recreate.
Please join us by giving of your time, talents and treasure.
Sincerely,
Lori Giang, Executive Director