Stamford-based AmeriCares is providing $17 million in cardiovascular medicines for low-income patients in the U.S. suffering from hypertension and high cholesterol.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 600,000 deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Low-income patients consistently experience higher rates of heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Unfortunately, many struggle to access the very medications they need to manage those health conditions,” said Frank Bia, AmeriCares medical director. “This donation will help improve cardiovascular health for thousands of our most vulnerable Americans without health insurance.”
The donation includes enough medication to treat 19,000 patients with high cholesterol and 7,500 patients with hypertension for three months.
AmeriCares is also providing 100 stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors as part of the program. A list of companies including Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Shire, AstraZeneca, American Diagnostic Corp. and CooperSurgical donated products for the campaign.
AmeriCares is distributing the medicines and equipment to more than 100 free clinics and other safety-net providers through its U.S. Medical Assistance Program, which is supported by the Fairfield County-based GE Foundation.
AmeriCares provides donated medicines, vaccines and medical supplies to more than 600 free clinics, community health centers and health departments serving the uninsured and underinsured. It made more than 3,000 shipments to U.S. safety net partners last year, providing $70 million in prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as medical supplies. Participating clinics report about 40 percent of all patient visits are related to the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Since it was established in 1982, nonprofit AmeriCares has distributed more than $11 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries.
