In an effort to help the struggling economy, the federal government has poured billions of dollars into banks and other institutions. Auto dealerships have offered to make car payments for those who have become unemployed. In fact, it seems like almost every company has offered its own stimulus package, from giant auto makers to Domino’s Pizza. But no package has been quite as stimulating as the one being offered by Pfizer.

The Viagra manufacturer has announced a program that will help unemployed people continue receiving their medication for free. Free Viagra? Now this sounds like a plan that will truly stimulate the economy . . . well, maybe not the economy, but there will certainly be stimulation taking place.

MAINTAIN (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need) is a plan inspired by Pfizer employees, and is designed to help people who have recently lost their jobs and/or health insurance. This plan will allow these people to continue receiving their Pfizer medications for free for a year, or until they become employed again (whichever comes first). This program will be funded by donations made by Pfizer employees, which will also be matched by the Pfizer Foundation.

The program will become fully operational on July 1, 2009, and will be open for enrollment through December 31, 2009.