Helping the Uninsured In the U.S. Get Health Care

Donation by AstraZeneca helping free clinics treat chronically ill

AmeriCares and AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company, are helping health clinics across the United States treat chronically ill patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other serious health conditions.

AstraZeneca recently donated $5 million in prescription medications to AmeriCares U.S. Medical Assistance Program, which provides medicines and medical supplies to clinics nationwide.  The medicines were delivered to more than 100 clinics treating patients who lack sufficient health coverage in 38 states. 

At Health Access Inc., a free clinic that serves low-income, uninsured residents in West Virginia, Executive Director Jim Harris said one of the patients who benefited was a 54-year-old man who tried unsuccessfully to control his acid reflux with over-the-counter medicines for many years.

“He ate antacids like they were candy but the heartburn would always return,” Jim said, explaining the patient was recently diagnosed with chronic gastro esophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. “He now reports he is finally without the heartburn that never seemed to go away.”

Since 2003, AstraZeneca has donated more than $63 million worth of essential medicines to AmeriCares to help restore health to people in need.

Donate Now