When the big orange bus comes barreling down the highway, people take notice.

On Friday the “Help is Here Express” bus tour came to Calhoun, one of several stops throughout northwest Georgia.

The express is part of a program that helps financially struggling Georgians gain access to information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is ready to help state residents who are facing layoffs and the loss of health care benefits determine if they may qualify for free or nearly free medicines.

According to Mark E. Grayson, deputy vice president of public affairs for the program, the express provides a single point of access to more than 475 patient assistance programs that help those who are uninsured or struggling financially.

“This week, we saw 300 people in northwest Georgia,” said Grayson.

According to Grayson the PPA was able help 98 percent of the 300 people seen.

“We know in this region especially, unemployment is high,” said Grayson. “This week we have definitely seen a need.”

Patients who qualify for help from the PPA’s participating patient assistance programs have access to more than 2,500 brand name and generic prescription medicines.

The bus is a state-of-the-art facility with mobile units that assist in both English and Spanish. The bus also houses consultants.

“We see anyone who can’t afford their medications,” Grayson said.

The PPA also assists the unemployed and those facing chronic illnesses.

“We what them to know there is help for them.” Grayson said.

This year the bus has visited 2,500 cities, and in the since the PPA’s founding in 2005, the program has helped 251,000 Georgians, according to Grayson.

“It is exciting that the Help is Here Express accepted our invitation to come back to Georgia,” said Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. “Our goal is to provide increased access to healthcare to those who need it the most. In this current economy, some may struggle to afford needed medication.”

To find out if there are patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.