My Impact as a Patient Advocate

For the past five months, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a patient advocate for the Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) at Health Center 5. At first, stepping into this role felt overwhelming. I had little knowledge of medications or pharmaceutical companies and doubted my ability to adequately support the patients I would be serving. During my first few days, I was introduced to staff members who repeatedly expressed how thankful they were that I was filling
a role that had been in great need. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the significance of the work I was about to do.

The Prescription Assistance Program program helps uninsured or underinsured patients apply for medication assistance through pharmaceutical companies. If approved, patients typically receive their medication at low cost to no cost for up to a year. As I became more familiar with application processes, medication costs, and patient needs, I began to understand the true impact of this program. Without these resources, or without support navigating the often lengthy application process, many patients in Philadelphia would not be able to afford the critical medications they rely on to maintain their health. After spending hours on hold or going back and forth between providers and program representatives, I am often reminded of the direct impact I have on patients' lives.

One particularly rewarding experience involved a patient who came to the health center for the first time, anxious about what to expect and how much everything would cost. The patient knew they needed medication, and when I was able to get them approved to receive it free for an entire year with just a few signatures, they were incredibly grateful. I coordinated with their doctor to complete the prescriber section, faxed the application, followed up to confirm approval, and arranged shipping details. When the patient returned to pick up their medication, they brought me a thank-you note and gave me a hug. What felt like just another day of service for me provided that patient with financial relief and the security of knowing they would have
access to a medication they need every day.

Another meaningful experience involved helping a family in urgent need. I received a message from a pediatric doctor asking whether there was a prescription assistance program available for a specific seizure medication. She explained it was a long shot, but the patient had recently experienced a seizure and urgently needed treatment. After researching, I was able to find a program the patient qualified for. Using a translator, I contacted the family and explained that they only needed to come in to sign the application. Once signed, I handled the remaining steps with the pharmaceutical company and provider. The application was faxed, and I was thrilled to learn that the patient was approved to receive the medication, not only to keep at home but also at school.

It’s safe to say that my initial feelings of doubt and being overwhelmed faded with each patient interaction. Every accepted application reinforces the direct impact I have on patients’ lives. Serving as a patient advocate within the Prescription Assistance Program has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the trust I have built and the opportunity to advocate for the patients I serve.