PAMS revived by health department
Tanesha Thomas, Maria Hernandez and Guy Jordan. Photo by Amanda Jenkins The vision is to provide prescriptions to those without insurance, and those who may have insurance but do not have prescription coverage. There are currently over 600 patients benefitting from the PAMS program in Gadsden County. "We have access to over 300 drugs and work with over 100 pharmaceutical companies and most of the local doctors in Gadsden County and some in Leon County participate in the program,” says Tanesha Thomas, who is the prescription medical services assistant coordinator. She also highlighted the fact that most times medicines are sent in 90-day supplies. "If a patient is denied in any way we try our best to get them approved," Thomas stated. Maria Hernandez adamantly agreed. She also is a prescription medical services assistant coordinator and assists with the application process. "These ladies help coordinate patients to come to companies such as Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, which is the largest distributor in the world, for help," says Guy Jordan, who is the director of Governmental and Public Affairs. Jordan also stated that Pfizer not only works with the PAMS program, but also has the Pfizer Pfriends and Maintain programs which are designed to help those in need of prescriptions. Thomas and Hernandez also mentioned AstraZeneca has been instrumental in the PAMS program as well. The PAMS program is housed in the Gadsden County Community Health Council, Inc. office. Patients can retrieve an application and will need to provide the following: a Social Security card, valid picture ID, last year’s W-2, most recent tax return, doctor’s information, original prescriptions and $25.00 annual program fee, which is often times waived for those who cannot afford it. The process can take a minimum of four weeks and take as long as six weeks to receive an answer. If approved the medication is sent to the physician’s office where the patient will be notified of availability. If you would like more information please contact: |
The Gadsden County Community Health Council, Inc. has revived the Prescription Assistance Medical Services (PAMS) program. Originally established in 2004, it has found new supporters such as the Gadsden County Health Department and Big Bend Rural Health Network. They are coupled with the efforts of local physicians, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners, Maximo Martinez, who is the executive director the Gadsden County Community Health Council, Inc., and former state representative Curtis Richardson. Also involved is Representative Alan Williams who was instrumental in the recruitment of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and many more who care about the welfare of the citizens in Gadsden.
