Chesterfield, Mo.
Contact:
Frani DePalo
CPR Strategic Marketing Communications
fdepalo@cpronline.com
201-641-1911 x54
With an ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life for people nationwide with rare, ultra-orphan and chronic genetic disorders, Centric Health Resources, Inc. (www.centrichealthresources.com) has joined the growing list of partner organizations supporting the second annual Rare Disease Day, February 28, 2009. Sponsored by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (www.rarediseases.org; NORD), Rare Disease Day (www.rarediseaseday.org) will call attention to the public health issues associated with the rare diseases that affect nearly 30 million Americans and countless others around the world.
“People with rare diseases remain a medically underserved population in every country,” said Peter Saltonstall, president of NORD. “This day is intended to bring together the patients and families with rare diseases to discuss the need for greater awareness, more research, and better access to diagnosis and treatment.”
Centric is part of a U.S. coalition that includes patient organizations, professional societies, government agencies, medical researchers, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Rare Disease Day activities in the United States will include a nationwide network of online videos, patient stories, and blogs; newspaper, radio, and television reports; state and municipal proclamations; a Rare Disease Hall of Fame for researchers; and other activities designed to raise awareness of what it means to have a rare disease.
A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are nearly 7,000 such diseases affecting nearly 30 million Americans.
Craig Kephart, president and CEO of Centric, adds, “Patients with rare diseases often face challenges that occur less frequently with more common diseases, such as delays in accurate diagnosis, limited treatment choices, a dearth of medical experts, no approved treatment, limited or no insurance coverage, and more expensive treatments. This coalition and observance are a step forward in addressing these challenges.”
Centric Health Resources Centric Health Resources, Inc. is a nationwide, Patient-Centered Health Management® organization, serving patients with rare, ultra-orphan disorders. Biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers maximize value by aligning with Centric for streamlined coordination and flexible service offerings that include reimbursement expertise, delivery of specialty pharmaceuticals, peer health coaching, and clinical support from registered nurses. Centric connects physicians, nurses, health benefit payers, patient advocacy groups, biotech/pharmaceutical companies, and families together in partnership for improved service and health outcomes for these specialized patient populations. Visit www.CentricHealthResources.com.