Stamford, Conn. – Jan. 25, 2016 – AmeriCares is helping thousands of Americans with thyroid disease thanks to a major medication donation in recognition of Thyroid Awareness Month. The emergency response and global health organization will provide levothyroxine therapy for nearly 25,000 low-income, uninsured and underinsured patients of clinics and community health centers nationwide.
The American Thyroid Association estimates 20 million people throughout the United States suffer from some form of thyroid disease. Many patients need medication to control their thyroid function and require treatment for life.
Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, based in Cranford, N.J., is a major sponsor of the thyroid month campaign, donating $2.4 million worth of levothyroxine therapy—enough to fill monthly prescriptions for nearly 25,000 patients.
“Akrimax is delighted to work with the AmeriCares team to support Thyroid Awareness Month,” said Walter Sandulli, vice president of marketing for Akrimax. “With millions of Americans suffering from thyroid disease, we view our joint effort as an opportunity to improve the care of underserved patients and to build awareness of this important public health issue.”
The medication will be distributed through AmeriCares U.S. Program, which supports more than 800 free clinics and community health centers nationwide with free medicine and supplies. AmeriCares will offer partner clinics nine different dosages of the medication.
“Sometimes, patients with certain gastrointestinal conditions can have difficulty absorbing traditional thyroid medications,” said AmeriCares Medical Officer Dr. Julie Varughese. “We’re excited to be able to offer this formulation as an option for hypothyroid patients who may have trouble tolerating other forms of thyroid medications.”
Last year, AmeriCares U.S. Program delivered $117 million in medicine and supplies, as well as education and training, to a network of health providers serving more than 5 million patients in need. The program helps partner clinics to increase capacity, provide comprehensive care, improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients.
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