Networking Opportunities

"ISAPN's Support for the I-SaveRx Prescription Program Has Received National Recognition"

In October 2004, ISAPN pledged their support of Governor Rod Blagojevich's I-SaveRx prescription program for the citizens of Illinois . ISAPN's President, Gail Van Kanegan, CNP, has been most fortunate to represent ISAPN and be involved with a number of public awareness projects for the I-SaveRx program.

First, a brief summary of the I-SaveRx prescription program. The prescription program is designed for any citizen of Illinois, (Missouri & Wisconsin have joined this effort) to purchase their name brand prescription medications in Canada, Ireland, or the United Kingdom at a cost savings of 25%-50% less than in local pharmacies. The under-insured and uninsured people are the main populations who will benefit the most from this program. No income qualifications are needed. In December, the I-SaveRx program was endorsed by the American Medical Association.

The I-SaveRx prescription program does not import prescription medications from these countries. The I-SaveRx prescription program offers the patient choice of mail ordering their medications from one of these three locations. The pharmacies have been inspected and it is assured that they meet the United States FDA guidelines for being a pharmacy before they were accepted to participate. The Illinois regulatory agencies will continue to inspect the participating pharmacies through out the program life.

The medications shipped are name brand medications made by our top pharmaceutical companies. Packaging is somewhat different and the medication may have a different appearance. The medication is guaranteed to be the appropriate medication. A medical history form (which no longer requires a prescribing health care provider signature) with medical diagnosis, a 3-month prescription with 3 refills, and the appropriate fees are sent to the pharmacy of the patient's choice. A physician who works with the pharmacy reviews the medical history form, the prescription, and after it is determined that the information is appropriate, the prescription is re-written and the medication then dispensed. It takes approximately 20 days for the process to receive the medicine.

Interested individuals can begin the enrollment process by filling out a form, or by calling 1-866-ISAVE33, or visit www.I-SaveRx.net .

ISAPN's Role in Promotion of the I-SaveRx Pharmaceutical Program

In November, ISAPN President, Gail Van Kanegan, CNP was asked to participate in a panel discussion with Scott McKibbin, Special Advocate for Prescription Drugs
State of Illinois, William McNary, Co-Director Citizen Action Illinois, and Don Hickman (Moderator), President Don Hickman & Associates .

Advanced Practice Nursing was recognized by Governor Blagojevich as the front leader in providing quality primary patient care. AND, ISAPN was the only medical professional voice on the I-SaveRx panel discussion. A 30-minute session divided into three 10 minute segments were recorded to be aired on the public broadcasting television starting in January (possibly). The background information for each of the segments are, #1 how and why the I-SaveRx program was developed, #2 the importance of bringing a program to the citizens of Illinois where safe and affordable medications can be obtained, and #3 how the program works (the application process and receiving medications).

A videotape of the 30-minute panel discussion has been given to ISAPN for our promotional use as well. ISAPN will receive program brochures and applications that will be distributed to APNs to place in their offices for the patients. Program applications and brochures are also available on line at the www.I-SaveRx.net site.

This was another "FIRST" for ISAPN in recognition as being a Leader for Advanced Practice Nursing and a Leader in providing patient health care. Our involvement in political action statements such as this will bring more awareness to the Advanced Practice Nurse. "What we are", and "what we do" will be on the tip of the tongue of every one in the state of Illinois and will spread throughout the nation. The more people who know about Advanced Practice Nursing the better. The knowledge increases ISAPN's abilities for changing legislation to better our profession and the health of our communities.

Another "First" for ISAPN and Advanced Practice Nursing

ISAPN was asked to further their support of the I-SaveRx prescription program by being involved in a press conference with Governor Rod Blagojevich.

In December, ISAPN President Gail Van Kanegan, CNP, met with Governor Blagojevich, Governor Holden from Missouri, and Congressman Emanuel in Chicago . The press conference was held at the University of Chicago Medical School. A copy of the press conference news release can be read here. I wrote a message that expressed that Advanced Practice Nursing goals are directed toward our patients' health and well being, maintaining the patient health, and offering safe options for care. The ISAPN pledge of support for the I-SaveRx program was reinforced. Nursing's message was loud and clear again as only nurses gave messages at this press conference. This again clearly identifies ISAPN as a leader in the delivery of health care.

Other opportunities that I was given during the press conference was the ability to talk to the Governors, congressman, and the top aids and press about opportunities for Advanced Practice Nursing and ISAPN. Our commitment to providing and promoting quality health care. The press conference was also attended by leaders from INA and networking opportunities opened up for collaboration on health care issues. The INA leadership was very enlightening to talk with and we were able to share many ideas and generate new bridges to professional growth.

Last week, I received a Christmas card from my aunt in Des Plaines . She heard me speaking on a radio station recorded from the press conference. She heard ISAPN speaking to her! Those letters will not be forgotten! The power of the spoken word is more than we ever can imagine.

In February, I will be a guest on a St. Louis radio station to talk about health care. ANOTHER great opportunity to get ISAPN's message out in the world! Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company contacted me and offered this opportunity to share Advanced Practice Nursing's knowledge. (The program information will be posted on the web page when details are completed. It will be on the first Saturday evening in February.)

I challenge every one of you to go out and tell everyone who, what, and where an APN is at! This will continue to gather our support systems for legislation, promote advancement of our profession, and provide more patient care! Make contact with your legislators. Tell them who you are. Be their voice for health care! I challenge each of you to search for opportunities to spread the word about ISAPN. Write a letter to an editor, email a reporter, call your legislators, send a no