NEWARK, N.J., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- No one in New Jersey's largest city will have to choose between medicine and food this winter thanks to a new healthcare initiative from Heinz Family Philanthropies, local Liss Pharmacy and the City of Newark.
They're working together to provide the generic equivalents of more than 300 commonly prescribed medications for $2 under a new program called Brick City Respite. The public-private partnership, which begins today and runs through Feb. 28, 2010, will provide a 30-day supply of everything from blood thinners to the antibiotic Amoxicillin and the diabetes medication Metformin.
"This is an opportunity for us to partner with the private sector to do the right thing," said Teresa Heinz, chairman of Heinz Family Philanthropies. "Society is by its very definition a community that cares for its own. We believe this program exemplifies that spirit during a season traditionally associated with giving."
Brick City Respite is being rolled out at a time when nearly a third of New Jersey residents lack health insurance. The percentage without coverage is even higher in Newark, where the median family income of $41,625 compares with $84,743 statewide.
The City of Newark, Heinz Family Philanthropies and a number of pharmaceutical manufacturers started NewarkHealthPlus and NewarkRx three months ago to provide free healthcare and prescription medicine to needy residents with chronic illnesses. Brick City Respite differs from these programs in that it is meant to provide temporary help to all residents, not only the uninsured, in response to medical costs that have surged 131 percent in the past decade.
Taken together, the three programs provide a working blueprint for a unique kind of Newark healthcare reform, amid the worst economic slowdown since the Great Depression.
Many Americans have grown used to going to work sick because they can't afford to purchase the medications they need. That shouldn't be happening in the United States, according to Liss Pharmacy manager Richard Mistichelli.
The only criteria for Brick City Respite is need, said the father of three. And the only qualification is showing up at his family pharmacy at 794 Mount Prospect Avenue and asking for help.
"No one needs to tough it out," said Mistichelli. "Liss Pharmacy is a family business that's been in Newark since 1932. Being good to the community is a big part of our business model."
Jeffrey Lewis, president of Heinz Family Philanthropies, said one of the goals of Brick City Respite is to help people who have been using hospital emergency rooms for basic care. At least nine acute care hospitals have closed in New Jersey since Jan. 1, 2007 due to the financial burden of caring for the state's 1.4 million uninsured patients - which exceeds $1 billion a year.
"We're trying to help individuals and families keep a couple extra dollars in their pocket this holiday season," Lewis said. "Our goal in creating this partnership is a simple one – to make sure people with an acute illness who need short term medications have access at $2. No one will be denied, and that alone is one of the best holiday gifts we can give."
Liss Pharmacy's participation in Brick City Respite is only one aspect of its growing commitment to the greater Newark area. It's also undertaking an ambitious expansion in response to the closings last year of local Saint James and Columbus hospitals.
Mistichelli said he plans to double the pharmacy's size by the winter of 2010 to fill the void. The expanded Liss will serve twice the 500 customers it does today and provide new office space for medical professionals.
PS2, Public/Private Sector Solutions for America's Health Care Future, which was created by Heinz Family Philanthropies, will provide Liss with up to $10,000 to cover the cost of medicines not on Brick City Respite's list this winter.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker lauded Heinz Family Philanthropies and Liss Pharmacy for setting a positive example for other U.S. businesses and charities that demonstrates the role they can play in their communities.
"Brick City Respite recognizes that our citizens need help and being able to buy their medications for $2 is a wonderful way to say happy holidays," Booker said. "This program demonstrates what can happen when great minds decide every challenge is really a solution waiting to happen."
Online contributions to Brick City Respite, NewarkRx and NewarkHealthPlus can be made at www.newarkrx.org.
NewarkRx and NewarkHealthPlus programs are administered through the Newark Now organization. For more information, please contact 973.624.FREE (3733) or visit the Newark Now website at http://www.newarknow.org
CONTACT: Jeffrey Lewis, President Heinz Family Philanthropies, (703) 403 9695
SOURCE Heinz Family Philanthropies
