RX For Oklahoma Receives Excellence Award

April 3, 2008 -- RX for Oklahoma, a prescription drug program, recently received the Oklahoma Public Health Association's Special Business Award for Excellence in Public Health.

The Special Business Award goes to programs that make a significant achievement in public health activities and issues, demonstrate quality and initiatives in public health, and demonstrate leadership and skill in advancing public health.

 "We are thrilled that RX for Oklahoma won this award from the OPHA," says Rhonda Harding-Hill, RX for Oklahoma Program Planner with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. "This program, while still relatively new, is making an impact across the state and making a difference in the lives of needy Oklahomans."

Rx for Oklahoma started in late 2005 to help Oklahomans access prescription assistance programs provided by pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.

Nearly 17% of the state's population, or more than 700,000 people, lack the health insurance coverage needed to purchase medicines. This program assists medically indigent (uninsured or underinsured) Oklahomans with receiving free- and low-cost medications.

Kathy McLaughlin, Director of Citizen Empowerment programs for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Rhonda Harding-Hill, Rx for Oklahoma Program Planner, accept the Special Business Award for Excellence in Public Health on behalf of Rx for Oklahoma from the Oklahoma Public Health Association.

All Oklahoma residents, regardless of age, who are uninsured or low income (living at or below federal poverty limits) are encouraged to apply.

Since the program started, Rx for Oklahoma has served more than 18,700 residents, saving them an estimated $6.5 million or $1,736 per person each month.

If you or someone you know could benefit from prescription assistance, call RX for Oklahoma at 877-RX4OKLA (877-794-6552), or go to on one of the regional processing centers designated for your residential county.  Information is also available at www.RX4OKLA.com.