Columbia, S. C. - Governor Jim Hodges on Wednesday was joined by Commun-I-Care representatives to recognize three pharmaceutical manufacturers partnering with the state to expand the prescription medications available to South Carolina's uninsured.

Commun-I-Care's partnership with Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb gives physicians access to 36 new drugs for patients who can't afford health care. Many of these drugs treat chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes-the most frequently seen illnesses among South Carolina's working poor.

Among the new drugs available are Glucophage XL and Glucovance for the treatment of diabetes, Toprol-XL for high blood pressure patients, and the antibiotics Biaxin and Omnicef.

With the addition of these partners, Commun-I-Care continues to lead the nation in medication access for the uninsured. Commun-I-Care matches volunteer physicians with South Carolinians who cannot afford insurance but do not qualify for government programs. Medications provided by Abbott, AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb, along with Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Company and TAP Pharmaceuticals, fill prescription needs.

Last year, Commun-I-Care and its partners provided more than $2 million in care. In 2000, U.S. Health and Human Services designated Commun-I-Care one of five national Models That Work, leading other states to adopt South Carolina's healthcare delivery system.

South Carolina residents who are employed, can not afford health insurance and do not qualify for government programs can apply for Commun-I-Care by calling toll free 1-800-763-0059. Application forms and information are also available on the Internet at www.commun-i-care.org.