Tech bytes: Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Published: March 11, 2008

The "Help is Here Express” bus tour will be in Oklahoma City today, stopping at the south steps of the state Capitol from 9 to 11 a.m. to help uninsured and financially struggling Oklahomans gain access to information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.

The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance — a nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies — raising awareness of patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease.

Patients can also learn about innovative new medicines in development to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.

To date, the PPA has helped nearly 5 million people across America nationwide, including nearly 80,000 people in Oklahoma.

The "Help is Here Express” is staffed by trained specialists able to quickly help uninsured patients in need access information on more than 475 patient assistance programs, including nearly 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

When the "Help is Here Express” moves on, patients can visit PPA's easy-to-use Web site at www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number (888) 477-2669 where trained operators field calls in 150 languages.

Patients who suffer from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will benefit from Odyssey CareBeyond, a new hospice program designed to meet the unique needs of these patients, officials said.

"This program will enable patients who have experienced repeated hospitalizations to remain at home or in their place of residence and still receive excellent care,” said Deborah Burian, general manager of Odyssey's Oklahoma City program.

The CareBeyond clinical staff, including registered nurses, social workers and spiritual care staff, among others, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assess and address symptoms and to visit the patient, if needed.

Respiratory therapists are available for consultations and visits as needed. CareBeyond helps these patients to avoid hospitalization in most cases.

To learn more about Odyssey CareBeyond and the many benefits of hospice for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients should contact Odyssey HealthCare at (888) 637-9227.

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation has been recognized as one of The Scientist's magazine Best Places to Work for Post Doctoral Fellows, the foundation said in a news release.

The Ardmore foundation was ranked No. 8 out of more than 80 institutions nationwide that participated in the publication's annual survey.

This year marks the first time the Noble Foundation participated in the magazine's postdocs survey. The Noble Foundation also ranked as the highest plant science research institute on the list.

Noble Foundation scientists provide training and mentorship to help postdocs establish their careers and become independent as scientific investigators or university faculty. The foundation focuses on forage improvement, plant biology research and agriculture.

AT&T has once again been recognized by Fortune magazine as America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company, officials said.

AT&T has topped the America's Most Admired list for its industry in 10 of the past 13 years.

"AT&T is committed to being the best in our business, and delivering connectivity and mobility to help American companies compete globally,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer. "This honor validates our commitment to set the pace for progressive innovation and unmatched customer service.”

From Staff Reports

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