Uninsured and underinsured people in Detroit and Wayne County are now  able to take advantage of the World Medical Relief Prescription Assistance Program as part of a collaboration between World Medical Relief, the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority and United Way of Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1- help line.

Those who need discount prescription drug service, as well as medical equipment, need only call 2-1-1 and ask for a referral to the World Medical Relief. The Health Authority has begun to promote this capability through public service announcements and its outreach services and to community health organizations.

“Through 2-1-1 we are able to realize a single-entry point to the health care system for the uninsured and underinsured,” explained Chris Allen, executive director of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.”Now people of all ages will be able to provide prescription relief for those who need it the most. The demand is great. A lot of people are doing without.”

This initiative is part an expansion of United Way’s 2-1-1 service capabilities. Until now, the service hasn’t promoted health service information. Now, 2-1-1 operators will ask callers if they are insured or underinsured.

“We’re beginning to attack the problem of access to health services,” explained Bill Sullivan, Director of 2-1-1. Currently, 2-1-1 receives about 20,000 calls monthly. Given the needs of the uninsured and underinsured, he expects health-related calls to double to 2-1-1.

“Increasingly, people in Detroit and Wayne County, as well as throughout Southeast Michigan, have fewer options when it comes to their pharmaceutical needs,” said Rita Montgomery Grezlik, President and CEO of World Medical Relief. “People may not think to call us or alight with one of our programs.” World Medical Relief provides prescription drugs at $8.30 per prescription, and provides mail delivery.

“We are pleased to work collaboratively with the United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center and the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority to implement strategies for increasing public awareness of our program, attract new clients, and increase sample drug donations.”

World Medical Relief offers a prescription program for people 18 years and older, with income criteria. It’s expected that 1,000 to 5,000 may take advantage of the program.