RXVIP Concierge is partnering with CareSignal, a remote patient monitoring company, to provide accurate COVID-19 information and support to the community using three accessible text messaging platforms designed for patients and pharmacists. Additionally, NeedyMeds has created a new COVID-19 resource center, listing organizations that are offering help with healthcare costs and financial hardships for those impacted by the virus.

"Like millions of Americans, I myself want accurate and timely information on the COVID-19 virus so that I can deal with the feeling of isolation caused by the pandemic. I am also challenged with multiple chronic disease states that require medication management and care coordination," said Ken Sternfeld, Chief Pharmacist Officer of RXVIP Concierge. He added, "We all need companions and connections during these unsettling times. As a pharmacist who has always focused on patient engagement, this partnership with CareSignal aligns perfectly with my personal and professional values. NeedyMeds was our first partner when we started RXVIP, so we are pleased that they have joined us in this initiative to offer their great resources and support for patients. The creation of our new patient initiative, 'Stand Up To COVID19,' allows us to connect the next generation of PharmD providers with CareSignal's remote patient monitoring tool."

COVID Companion, COVID Connect and COVID Staff Support support thousands of patients and front-line clinical staff by leveraging credible resources and enabling users to effectively monitor their symptoms.

COVID Companion is a community-facing, text-message-based platform that shares information about local public health resources and recommendations from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

COVID Connect is a patient-facing, text-based platform that allows patients to self-monitor their symptoms at home. If their symptoms worsen, the tool automatically connects patients to the CDC's COVID-19 hotline.

COVID Staff Support is a provider-facing, text-based platform that makes it easy for healthcare workers to self-monitor symptoms of COVID-19, offers a resource for reporting burnout and gives healthcare providers access to mental health resources.

All three programs are available free of charge to United States healthcare organizations.

"Being asked to help PharmD 2020 candidates graduate now so they can take a leadership role in our StandUp2Covid19 campaign is a tremendous honor," stated the newly appointed RXVIP National Brand Ambassador Nabila Ismail.

"So much has changed since I entered the pharmacy profession just last year, but our purpose as pharmacists always is to help the patient," she added. "Now is the time for us to secure our position as true health care providers at a time that patients need us. My focus will be to raise awareness through community social engagement so the next generation can enter the profession at a time when their dedication to patient care and skill set will help save lives," Ismael concluded.

Those who wish to subscribe to COVID Companion can text "RXVIP" to 67634. COVID Companion is available in English and Spanish. The tool will ask basic questions of users in order to provide COVID-19 information that is specific to their needs. Users will receive:

• CDC-recommended prevention tips and recommendations on what to do if they experience COVID-19 symptoms
• Ways to connect with public health resources in their local area
• Users over the age of 60 and those who have chronic diseases are directed to the CDC information specifically directed at high-risk populations