PhRMA’s “Roadmap to Health” Program Makes First Stop in New Jersey with Senator Troy Singleton and We Work for Health New Jersey

Inaugural Event Provided Health Screenings and Educational Information to the Willingboro Community at No Cost

 Willingboro, NJ (September 10, 2019) – Senator Troy Singleton joined the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and We Work for Health New Jersey at the Willingboro Senior Center for the first New Jersey stop of the “Roadmap to Health” program.

This mobile health fair program is bringing educational tools, resources and health screenings free of charge to communities across the Northeast. The first New Jersey stop was celebrated with a press conference.

Roadmap to Health was developed in response to the rising rates of chronic disease in the United States. According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), 5.2 million New Jersey residents had at least one chronic disease in 2015, and the number of people living with multiple chronic diseases continues to grow.[1]

In New Jersey, residents are burdened by many health challenges, including high rates of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, according to a 2013-2020 Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Plan published by the New Jersey Department of Health.[2]

At the heart of the problem, nationally and in Willingboro, lies access; communities most acutely impacted are less likely to be able to access resources to help prevent, detect, and treat chronic disease. The PFCD estimates that with better prevention and treatment of chronic disease, more than 434,000 lives could be saved in New Jersey each year.

Roadmap to Health provides residents with knowledge about their health. Inside the mobile screening vehicle, participants can receive preventative health and wellness screenings administered and conducted by an independent medical screening firm, U.S. Mobile Health Exams. In addition to access to a nutritionist on site, the available screenings include:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• Body mass index or BMI

As Roadmap to Health makes its way to other communities, additional screenings may be added.

“I am honored to welcome the Roadmap to Health Program to its first community event in New Jersey. By offering educational resources, no-cost health screenings, and nutrition counseling, we are helping local residents live healthy, productive lives,” said State Senator Troy Singleton.

“At the Willingboro Senior Center, the health of our seniors is a top priority. That is why we are excited to host Roadmap to Health’s empowering health education program on its first stop in New Jersey. Thank you PhRMA and We Work for Health for supporting Roadmap to Health’s visit to our community,” said Reva Foster, director of the Willingboro Senior Center.

PhRMA aims to empower individuals to protect and improve their health and wellness by providing these community resources, including no-cost health screenings through the Roadmap to Health program.

“PhRMA launched Roadmap to Heath to address barriers that communities face in accessing health care. By providing information and resources, Roadmap to Health works to empower New Jerseyans to protect or improve their health. Thank you to Senator Troy Singleton for hosting Roadmap to Health in Willingboro and partnering with us to bring these resources to Willingboro,” said Laura McCabe, senior director of advocacy and strategic alliances, PhRMA.

Roadmap to Health will continue its road trip across New Jersey in the coming months and will partner with community organizations, faith-based centers and others to provide resources to these communities.

Information provided during Roadmap to Health programs is for informational and/or educational purposes only. The program is not engaged in rendering medical or similar professional services or advice, and the information provided is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a health care professional. Individuals should consult a physician or other medical professional for advice regarding any medical condition or treatment.

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About PhRMA
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $600 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $79.6 billion in 2018 alone.

About We Work for Health New Jersey

We Work For Health is a grassroots initiative that shows how biopharmaceutical research and medical innovation work together to create a strong, vibrant economy and a healthier America. We unite biopharmaceutical companies with business and community partners to raise awareness about the vital role we all play in delivering life-saving and life-enhancing advancements in medicine, while educating elected leaders on the impact that public policies have on our ability to continue to innovate. Learn more about the organization at www.weworkforhealth.org.