Boehringer Ingelheim and AmeriCares Partner in New Extension of Product Donations Program for the Uninsured
Ridgefield, Conn., April 29, 2014 – Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation has launched a new extension of their Product Donations Program that will provide a free supply of medication to more than 3,000 eligible uninsured U.S. patients. Under this new program extension, Boehringer Ingelheim has committed to producing a portfolio of critically needed medicines that will be distributed by AmeriCares to free clinics in Conn., Fla., W.Va., Texas and Ohio.
Beginning this month, patients suffering from hypertension, chronic respiratory problems and infections may receive a supply of Boehringer Ingelheim medicines free of charge. Approximately 2,500 hypertension patients and nearly 1,200 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are expected to benefit from this extended program. In the four Connecticut clinics alone, the new program will provide treatment for approximately 600 patients diagnosed with hypertension. The donated Boehringer Ingelheim medicines will allow safety net clinics to increase capacity and provide more comprehensive care.
"Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation is committed to improving access to healthcare with a focus on underserved patients," said Lilly Ackley, President, Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation. "This new program with our valued partner, AmeriCares, is our latest way to accomplish this goal."
According to recent White House data, 8 million Americans have signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. This still leaves tens of millions of Americans outside the healthcare system.
"Boehringer Ingelheim has long been one of our most generous pharmaceutical donors and now they have taken their commitment one step further by manufacturing products specifically for Americans in need," said AmeriCares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. "Together we will improve the health of more than 3,000 poor and uninsured Americans suffering from chronic hypertension and COPD."
In 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation donated more than $35 million of medicines to underserved patients around the globe through its Product Donations Program. In addition, the Foundation donated over $130 million in medicines to eligible U.S. patients through its Patient Assistant Program. Over its 13-year history, the Foundation has donated $1.375 billion in medicines in the U.S. and around the world.
More information about the Foundation's programs and impact are available athttp://givingreport.us.
About Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation
Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation is a private foundation with a mission to provide "more health" to patients, families and communities through its four major programs:
· A Patient Assistance Program that makes our branded medicines available free of charge to patients without prescription insurance coverage who meet certain household income criteria
· A Product Donation Program that donates BI medicines to approved non-profit partners who meet certain standards, and who distribute the medicines around the world where there is tremendous unmet need
· A Financial Contributions Program that provides financial support to Connecticut programs that improve access to healthcare and enhance math and science education for the underserved
· A Volunteer Program through which employees choose causes that are important to them and donate their time and skills to strengthen our communities
About Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 142 affiliates and more than 47,400 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.
Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim's endeavors.
In 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about €14.1 billion. R&D expenditure corresponds to 19.5% of net sales.
For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-
About AmeriCares
AmeriCares is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization that delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world and across the United States. AmeriCares U.S. Medical Assistance Program is the nation's largest provider of donated medical aid to the U.S. health care safety net, last year delivering $70 million in prescription and over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies for patients in need.
Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $11 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries. For more information, visit americares.org
For more information, please contact:
Erin Crew
Corporate Public Relations Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
+1- 203-798-5564
erin.crew@boehringer-