NCL, consumer groups oppose a rider that defunds lighting efficiency standards – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

December 15, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

NCL, along with Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumer Law Center, and Public Citizen have joined to write Congress a letter urging the opposition any rider to the House Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (H.R. 3671) that would prohibit the Department of Energy from implementing or enforcing the energy efficiency standards for light bulbs that Congress enacted on a bipartisan basis in 2007.

Click here to view the letter.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Consumer group urging FDA to drop sodium’s status as ‘safe’ – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

December 15, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323,  media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC—In comments filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), the nation’s oldest consumer organization is strongly urging the government to revoke sodium’s long-standing status as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), a strong action geared toward reducing expected to reduce Americans’ sodium consumption.

“The fact is, most Americans are taking in far too much sodium, at a detriment to their health. The average American consumes 3,400 mg of salt per day, far above the recommended levels,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, which filed comments with the federal agencies this week. “While the reformulation of ready-to-eat foods to reduce sodium content is also a crucial step for industry to take, it is time for the federal government to step in and send the message that Americans need to take their sodium consumption seriously.”

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. For nearly 50 percent of Americans, especially including those over the age of 50, African Americans, and those with certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, the recommended daily amount is even lower at 1,500 mg per day. Heightened levels of sodium consumption can have serious health consequences. A diet high in sodium has been linked to increased blood pressure, which in turn can lead to a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes.

“Consuming too much sodium has real health consequences. Luckily, simply lowering the amount of sodium in your diet can help combat these effects,” said Greenberg.

Unfortunately, with 77 percent of the sodium Americans consume coming from processed and restaurant foods, reducing sodium consumption can be challenging for many consumers. “With so much salt already added into ready-to-eat foods, simply going a little lighter on the salt shaker will not solve the problem,” Greenberg added. “We have to reduce the amount of salt found in processed and restaurant foods in order to decrease overall sodium consumption.” Reformulation of products, so that they include less sodium to begin with, is a critical step in this process.

While reformulation is a step that will be undertaken by food companies, unfortunately the industry has not voluntarily reduced sodium levels in restaurant or prepared foods, thus we turn tot he FDA to help make progress in reducing sodium levels. Wwe do not believe that an issue this important to public health should be left up the industry,” said Greenberg.  “That is why we are suggesting that FDA take action and revoke sodium’s GRAS status.

With the GRAS status of sodium rescinded, FDA would have the authority to determine maximum allowable amounts of salt in processed and restaurant foods. This would serve as a catalyst for industry reformulation efforts.  FDA has stated that it would be willing to revoke the GRAS status of salt if the food industry did not make a “substantial reduction in the sodium content of processed foods.” Since industry efforts have not yet been enough to curb sodium consumption, NCL strongly supports the revocation of sodium’s GRAS status.

“This is a nationwide problem with significant health consequences. Reducing the amount of sodium in our diets will help reduce the incidence of certain chronic, costly diseases. It is essential that the government take action to facilitate this process,” said Greenberg.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL statement on Senate vote on nomination of Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

December 6, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

The following statement is attributable to Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League:

“The National Consumers League urges the U.S. Senate to vote in favor of confirmation of Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The Senate is expected to vote on the Cordray nomination as early as this Thursday, December 8.

The effort to confirm Cordray has been held up in Congress by a group of Senators who have pledged to oppose any nominee to head the new consumer watchdog. The Senators opposing the Cordray nomination are seeking changes to the CFPB that NCL believes would weaken its ability to protect consumers.

The lack of consensus to confirm Richard Cordray to head the CFPB is leaving seniors, students, members of the armed forces, veterans, and other consumers at risk of tricks and traps in the fine print of contracts. Families in the United States need an empowered CFPB to protect their interests and save them from the kind of past abuses that led to the worst recession since the Great Depression.

As Attorney General of Ohio, Cordray recovered over $2 billion for consumers and communities who lost money and their financial security from shady Wall Street investments, deceptive financial products, and wrongful foreclosures. Recently, 37 state Attorneys General on a bi-partisan basis sent a letter to the Senate urging his confirmation.

The CFPB was created by the Dodd Frank reform law passed by Congress last year and is working to make sure financial companies play it straight with consumers. It has been charged with identifying and stopping unfair, deceptive, and abusive financial practices and keeping the rules governing financial service products up-to-date.

The CFPB needs a director. Without a leader at the helm, the agency is not able to exercise its full authority to oversee non-bank financial institutions like payday lenders, debt collectors, check cashers and certain mortgage lenders who target vulnerable consumers. NCL asks the U.S. Senate to do right by consumers and approve this nominee to head the CFPB.”

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

 

Tips for gifting tickets for the holidays – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

December 5, 2011

 

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington,DC – Fan Freedom Project (FFP) and National Consumers League (NCL) today released a consumer guide for buying friends and family concert or sports tickets this holiday season. The “Gifting Tickets for the Holidays” guide will educate consumers on the often-confusing landscape of live event ticketing, and help them make better, more informed decisions.

“Tickets make great gifts this time of year, but consumers need to watch closely and make sure they know exactly what they are purchasing and from whom,” said FFP Consumer Advocate Elizabeth Owen.

John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at NCL added, “Too often consumers are confused and frustrated when they buy and share concert and sports tickets. This holiday guide will give them a chance to better understand the process and make the best choices possible.”

The Guide advises fans to:

1. Use reliable sellers: Beware of fly-by-night ticket sellers. If you’re unsure whether a company is legitimate, check its ratings with the Better Business Bureau and on consumer review sites such as Yelp! If purchasing from a ticket broker, check to see if they are members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers, whose Code of Ethics requires members to adhere to basic consumer protections.

2. Check guarantees: Check your ticket vendor’s guarantee policy. For example, Web sites like Stub Hub, TicketsNow, Ace Tickets and All-Shows guarantee every ticket sold on their sites, and will replace them or provide refunds to consumers if they receive the wrong tickets, their tickets are invalid or an event is cancelled. Craigslist and other online classifieds sites do not offer such guarantees; it’s “buyer beware” when shopping this way.

3. Pay attention to URLs: When buying tickets directly from a venue, check the Web site’s URL to ensure that you don’t get duped by an imposter. For example, Katy Perry fans were recently tricked by a Web site that sold tickets to a free concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Remember, even if a Web site looks like the official site, it may be bogus.

4. Read the fine print: Just because you bought the ticket doesn’t mean you can give it away. Some concerts and sporting events sell restricted tickets, like Ticketmaster Paperless Tickets (see below). These events require buyers to show up at the venue and present your purchasing credit card and photo ID to gain admittance. With these events, you often do not receive a physical ticket, or the ticket is worthless unless you have the matching credit card and photo ID. Ticketmaster recommends that you buy gift tickets with the recipient’s credit card and reimburse them. Some ticketing companies charge additional fees to transfer restricted tickets; others do not allow them to be transferred at all.

For a list of artists and sports teams that use restricted tickets, please visit the Fan Freedom Project’s FAQ.

5. Know the rules: Some venues limit the number of tickets you can buy. A Radiohead fan recently reported purchasing a block of tickets to share with friends. She ordered more tickets as a wedding gift, but found herself over the four-ticket max that the venue set for the show. She is now fighting with the ticket company and venue as they are threatening to cancel her tickets.

6. Buy with a credit card: Regardless of where you buy tickets, be sure to use a credit card so you can dispute any unfair or unauthorized charges. Before entering your credit card information online, be sure the site has “https://” at the beginning of the Web site address. This means the site is encrypted and safer for use.

###

About The Fan Freedom Project

Fan Freedom Project is an independent consumer education and advocacy organization that promotes and defends the rights and interests of live event fans. Launched in February 2011, FFP is supported by over 40,000 live event fans, and is backed by leading consumer and business organizations such as the National Consumers League, Consumer Action, the League of Fans, the Computer and Communications Industry Association and Net Choice. Initial funding was provided by Stub Hub, a division of eBay.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Advocacy group warning seasonal workers: don’t fall victim to wage theft – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

November 28, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC – This holiday season, the National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer organization, is issuing a reminder to the thousands of part-time and seasonal workers of their rights and protections under federal labor laws and warning them about the prevalence of abuses in the workplace. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, retailers across the country are taking on extra help to manage the holiday crowds.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retailers hired more than 18,000 new workers in October alone.

With the national unemployment rate stuck around 9 percent, seasonal work will provide many American workers with much-needed wages; however NCL is warning new hires of the many pitfalls in the workplace that often lead to wage theft, in which workers don’t receive the compensation they are rightfully owed.

“Part-time and seasonal workers are often more vulnerable to wage theft,” said Michell K. McIntyre, Project Director of NCL’s Special Project on Wage Theft. “Many workers sign onto the temporary work, grateful for the opportunity and without paying full attention to company rules and policies governing compensation and benefits. Short-term, seasonal work also often moves at a faster pace, and both workers and employers can forget critical pieces of information or paperwork that could affect how much a worker gets paid.”

One of the most important pieces of information seasonal hires need be aware of is their worker classification—whether they are labeled as an employee or an independent contactor in their job description and tax forms.

A worker classified as an independent contractor is not entitled to employee rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). FLSA rights include:

  • The right to the minimum wage and the highest rate available between the federal ($7.25 per hour), state, city, and county minimum wages
  • Anti-discrimination protections
  • Workers compensation and overtime pay
  • Overtime compensation at 1½ times the regular hourly rate after working more than 40 hours per week for the same employer
  • A workday that begins upon entering the workplace (including donning a uniform or setting up) and ends when leaving the workplace (including the time it takes to clean up or restock inventory)

Employers do not pay payroll taxes for independent contractors; contracted workers are on the hook for the back taxes to both the IRS and the state tax board when tax season rolls around. An independent contractor receives a 1099 tax form in place of a W-2 form.

NCL reminds workers that knowing the law and keeping proper records are critical in order to ensure that they are paid the amount they are owed. NCL recommends workers save all payroll stubs and double-check that the number of hours worked, rate of pay, paycheck deductions and that the official/legal name of the employer is correct. To help American workers calculate how much they should be earning, the US Department of Labor has created a free app for smartphones to help workers track their hours and determine the exact amount employers owe. The tool is exceptionally useful when there are any paycheck discrepancies.

“In these tough economic times, it’s important for workers to get every penny they are owed. The best way for workers to ensure accurate payment is to know their rights at work and who they can turn to for help,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL’s Executive Director.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL decries presidential candidate Gingrich’s attack on child labor laws – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

November 22, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL) expressed dismay with comments made last week by presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, who attacked the nation’s child labor laws as “truly stupid” and suggested that impoverished school children should be used to replace adult janitors in struggling schools.

“As a nation, we’ve spent 100 years trying to protect children by passing child labor laws. For a presidential candidate to make such a reckless comment is unfortunate,” said NCL’s executive director Sally Greenberg, who noted that “before the passage of child labor laws, children often worked 14-16 hour days in factories and mines and often suffered debilitating injuries in the workplace.”

Speaking at a Q & A session at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government on Nov. 18, Gingrich responded to a student’s question about income inequality in the U.S. by arguing that the inequality is the result of “truly stupid” rules that he said has added to U.S. poverty rate and prevents children from developing a strong work ethic. “It is tragic what we do in the poorest neighborhoods, entrapping children in, first of all, child laws, which are truly stupid,” said Gingrich.

“You say to somebody, you shouldn’t go to work before you’re what, 14, 16 years of age, fine. You’re totally poor. You’re in a school that is failing with a teacher that is failing. I’ve tried for years to have a very simple model,” he said. “Most of these schools ought to get rid of the unionized janitors, have one master janitor and pay local students to take care of the school. The kids would actually do work, they would have cash, they would have pride in the schools, they’d begin the process of rising.” In his remarks, Gingrich praised the examples of those who began work between the ages of nine and 14.

“With nearly 14 million unemployed adults in the nation, Mr. Gingrich’s solution is to fire adults and hire children to do work that no child should be asked to do,” said Reid Maki, NCL’s Director of Social Responsibility and Fair Labor Standards and the coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition, a 28-member organization which NCL co-chairs with the American Federation of Teachers. “The fact that Mr. Gingrich went out of his way to suggest that children from poor neighborhoods should be compelled to do janitorial work is really troublesome. If schools are failing and the students are poor—as in the case put forward by Mr. Gingrich–it is all the more essential that these children focus on academics.”

NCL believes in the value of work for teenagers with proper limits and safeguards, but is keenly aware of research that shows teen work beyond 15-20 hours a week has diminishing returns for young workers, causing them to drop out at greater rates and increasing the likelihood that they will not attend college. NCL catalogues the hidden dangers of teen work in its annual report, “The Five Most Dangerous Jobs for Teen Workers” released each spring.

Several members of the Child Labor Coalition, including the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, Human Rights Watch, First Focus Campaign for Children, the American Federation of Teachers, and NCL have been working to remove exemptions to U.S. child labor law that allow children in agriculture to work 10- to 12-hour days in 100-degree heat, harvesting crops. “These children perform back-breaking labor in pesticide-treated fields and use dangerous equipment,” said Reid Maki. “They suffer a drop-out rate that condemns many migrant youth to a vicious cycle of generational poverty. Mr. Gingrich needs to help toughen our child labor laws, not gut them.”

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday news: Internet holiday shopping tips for savvy consumers – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

November 22, 2011

Contact: (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–As Americans return to the workplace next Monday after the long holiday weekend, many will spend a portion of their day surfing the Internet for deals from online retailers. Monday, November 28 — “Cyber Monday” – is what the retail industry claims to be one of, if not the, busiest Internet shopping days of the year, and with more and more consumers opting to avoid the mall, e-shopping next week is expected to be higher than ever. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, spending on Cyber Monday will be around $1.2 billion, a prediction by research-firm comScore Inc.

Whether consumers do their shopping online at the workplace or at home, advocates are reminding them to practice safe e-shopping habits in the coming weeks and year-round. “The Internet can make your shopping faster and easier, but there can also be pitfalls if you’re not careful,” said Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, which today released its top ten tips for avoiding cyber grinches and scams this holiday season. “There are ways to ensure you have a safe online shopping experience, so that gift-giving is a joyous occasion, not an opportunity for cyber thieves.”

  1. Don’t shop online on an unencrypted or open wireless network. As convenient as they seem, an airport or coffee shop’s wireless network is not an appropriate place to conduct financial transactions. Entering personal financial information over an unsecured connection may leave your computer open the to hackers and thieves to capture your financial information. Home Wi-Fi networks can also be compromised, so consumers should find out how to secure their connections.
  1. Secure your computer before shopping online. Before connecting to the Internet or shopping online, take the following three core protections: 1) Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and keep them up to date; 2) Install a personal firewall; 3) Regularly update operating system and anti-virus programs to current protections.
  1. Know who you’re dealing with. Before shopping online with an unknown e-store, check out the seller and be sure to get the name and physical address of the vendor in case something goes wrong. If you’re buying gifts on an online auction site, check the track record of the seller before you bid.
  1. Pay the safest way – by credit card, especially when you’re purchasing something that will be delivered later. Under federal law you can dispute the charges if you don’t get what you were promised. You may also dispute unauthorized charges on your credit card. Consider using a “virtual” credit card number.  These numbers replace your plastic credit card number with a new number that is linked to your real account number.  When you’re prompted to enter your credit card number at checkout, you enter the virtual number instead of the real number.  These “virtual” numbers can be set to have a low credit limit, to only work at certain Web sites, or to expire after a certain period of time (two months from date of purchase is a good rule of thumb).  This way, if the Web site you’re shopping at is compromised, the crooks likely won’t be able to run up charges on your real credit account since the virtual number.  A note of caution, however: think twice before using a virtual credit card number for services where you will be billed repeatedly or for things like rental car reservations, since the card may not be billed until you pick up the car.
  1. Only shop on safe sites. When providing payment information, the Web site URL address should change from “http” to “https,” (or, less frequently, “shttp”) indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured. Look for an icon on the browser (generally in the bottom right of the window), such as an image of a padlock closing, to indicate that the page is secure.
  1. Don’t fall for a phishing email or pop-up. Legitimate companies don’t send unsolicited email messages asking for your password, login name, or your financial information. But scammers do, and it’s called “phishing.” Crooks often send emails that look like they’re from legitimate companies – but direct you to click on a link, where they ask for your personal information. Delete these emails.
  1. Be careful when shopping for a gift in an online auction. Consumers sometimes turn to auctions for harder-to-find collectibles or expensive electronics. Understand how the auction works, and check out the seller’s reputation before you bid. Use safe ways to pay, like a credit card. If you use a 3rd party payment system, read the terms carefully to understand what protection, if any, it offers if you don’t receive what you were promised. Always ask about terms of delivery and return options. Be especially wary of auctions that ask for payment via wire transfer.
  1. Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping. Many people leave their computers running 24/7, the dream scenario for scammers who want to install malicious software—“malware”—on your machine and then control it remotely to enable them to commit cyber crime. To be extra safe, switch off your computer when you are not using it.
  1. Don’t be tempted by offers of free money. Con artists take advantage of cash-strapped consumers during the holidays to offer personal loans or credit cards for a fee upfront. These scammers simply take the money and run. Beware of emails offering loans or credit, especially if you have credit problems.

10.  Visit www.fraud.org to learn more about protecting yourself from online scams year-round and to report suspicious sites, sellers, or scams. You don’t have to be a victim to report a scam, and your information will help law enforcement go after cyber grinches.

Above all, look into the business or individual with whom you are doing business before making the transaction. For more information on avoiding scams throughout the year, visit www.fraud.org.

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL statement in support of increased FDA funding – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

November 15, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC—Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, issued the following statement today in support of the decision made by House and Senate conferees to increase funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The National Consumers League supports the decision made by conferees to increase FDA funding by $50 million from FY 2011 levels. This increase in funds will ensure that the FDA can fulfill its vital public health role of ensuring that American consumers have access to safe food and medication.

“For decades the FDA has been underfunded and, with the development of an increasingly global market, its responsibilities increase every year. The passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) earlier this year gives the agency increased authority to take steps to ensure the safety of the American food supply. In order to carry out these new measures, however, the FDA must receive adequate funding. The National Consumers League applauds the conferees for approving an increase of $39 million for the implementation of FSMA, much needed funds which will allow FDA to make the American food supply even more secure.

The National Consumers League commends the conferees for their support of the FDA and urges the House of Representatives to approve the numbers put forth by the conferees. Without adequate funding FDA will not be able to completely fulfill its responsibility to keep American consumers safe from foodborne illness.”

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL statement in support of the Wireless Tax Fairness Act – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

November 4, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC-Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, issued this statement in support of the Wireless Tax Fairness Act HR 1002, which will be voted on by the US House of Representatives this evening.

“The National Consumers League supports HR 1002, the Wireless Tax Fairness Action of 2011, because it will slow the exploding number of taxes imposed on consumers and users of wireless phones and other services. Consumers in 46 states now pay wireless taxes, fees, and government charges that exceed the retail sales tax rate.

For millions of Americans, cell phones have replaced landlines in providing phone services. The millions of consumers who receive a cell phone bill each month- and many of these customers are middle and lower middle income Americans- with taxes imposed that they don’t understand – in some states a gross receipts tax is imposed on top of a sales tax –are paying taxes that add significantly to their overall bill. Unfortunately, without this legislation, there appears to be no end in sight; state and local governments will continue treat consumers who use wireless devices as a “cash cow” for local projects.

The NCL understands that state and local governments need to raise revenues to pay for essential services – fire and ambulance, schools and hospitals, roads and infrastructure -and we support their right to do so through a democratic process, which includes the passage of tax laws that are supported by the citizens. The ever-increasing taxes imposed on consumers who use wireless services are the wrong approach, however, and have reached unacceptable levels. This bill’s moratorium will give state and local governments the opportunity to join with consumers and others in an effort to reform communications taxes, an effort that is long overdue.”

###

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Surgeon General joins Baltimore launch of national Script Your Future campaign to highlight importance of taking medication as directed – National Consumers League

/in imported/by

November 2, 2011

Contact: Kerry O’Neill, (410) 902-5035, koneill@mghus.com

Baltimore, MD—While most Americans recognize the importance of taking prescribed medication as directed, people who skip or forget doses are less likely to understand the health consequences of medication non-adherence, according to a new survey released this morning by the National Consumers League (NCL) as part of its national Script Your Future campaign. At today’s Baltimore launch of the multi-year national Script Your Future campaign, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin encouraged patients with chronic conditions to speak with their health care professionals about their medication.

Poor medication adherence is a growing public health concern, and addressing the problem is especially critical as the number of Americans affected by at least one chronic condition requiring medication therapy is expected to grow from 133 to 157 million by 2020.  Nearly three out of four Americans report that they do not always take their medication as directed, a problem that causes more than one-third of medicine-related hospitalizations, nearly 125,000 deaths in the United States each year, and adds $290 billion in avoidable costs to the health care system annually.

“Our national challenge is to prevent poor health outcomes and to become a healthy and fit nation.  One way is for the health care community and patients to come together to address medication non-adherence, which is a major public health problem,” said Dr. Benjamin.  “Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals can help prevent many serious health complications by initiating conversations with their patients about the importance of taking medication as directed.  This is especially important for people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure, who may have a number of medicines to take each day.”

Script Your Future brings together Baltimore area stakeholders in health care, business and government to offer practical tools for patients to help them better adhere to their medication, and to help health care professionals  better communicate with patients.  Baltimore is one of six regional target markets in which the campaign will pilot interventions, outreach activities, research and advertising.  The local coalition includes more than a dozen Baltimore-based health care stakeholders including University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, the Maryland Pharmacists Association, and Pfizer.  Today’s event is also an official stop on the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour, which provides mobile health tests to communities across the country.

The consumer survey results released today show that nationally and in Baltimore, those patients who do not always take their medication as directed are less likely to have received a full explanation of the consequences of their condition, and are less convinced of the importance of adherence. Communication between patients and their health care professionals is one key factor. More than three quarters (79 percent) of patients in Baltimore say they are very willing to raise questions or concerns about prescribed medicines with their health care professional, but only 55 percent say their doctor routinely asks about problems taking medication.  Among less adherent patients, communication with health care professionals is even less frequent.

“There are many reasons why people don’t take their medicine as directed, from concerns about side effects to the out-of-pocket costs of prescriptions, but the more a patient understands the impact medication has on their health, the more likely they are to keep up with their medication.  Script Your Future is working in Baltimore and communities across the country to encourage more conversations about the health consequences of non-adherence and to provide patients and their health care professionals with a range of online tools and resources to help improve adherence among patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma,” said Rebecca Burkholder, Vice President of Health Policy for the NCL.

The survey, conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, also found that patients view automatic refills, reduced co-pays and pill boxes as useful tools for improving adherence.  In particular, three quarters of Baltimore patients find a list of questions for their healthcare professional to be a helpful tool.

“As we launch the campaign locally, the research reinforces the need to make medication adherence a priority in Baltimore, where 14 percent of residents are living with diabetes and 1 in 3 with high blood pressure,” said Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD., CGP, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. “Our local efforts are aimed at raising awareness and making tools for adherence more accessible to consumers.”

Script Your Future tools include free text message reminders, sample questions for patients to ask health care practitioners, medication lists, condition management sheets, and fact sheets on common chronic conditions.  All of these materials can be found on the campaign website, www.ScriptYourFuture.org.

###

Script Your Future is a campaign of the National Consumers League (NCL), a private, non-profit membership organization founded in 1899. For more information about the Script Your Future campaign, visit www.ScriptYourFuture.org.  For more information on NCL, please visit www.nclnet.org.