DREW HEALTH INC.

RX Prescription Saves Drew County

Residents Over $300,000 for 2008

In 2003 Drew HHI conducted the Behavior Risk Factors Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) for the residents of Drew County.  One segment of the survey, Access to Care, showed the following alarming information from respondents:

20% reported that their health insurance did not cover prescription drugs

22% reported they were unable to get a prescription filled due to the cost of medicine

15% reported they went without paying for utilities, rent or groceries during the past 12 months to pay for their prescriptions  

Based on this information Drew HHI placed prescription assistance in the goals of the Coalition.  In November 2006 the Coalition received a one-year AmeriCorp position, that allowed the Coalition to retain the services of someone to develop the program.  The Drew County Prescription Assistance Program (RX Program) began serving clients in March 2007.

The program assists clients who need medications to treat chronic illnesses, but cannot afford them.  Some clients do not have insurance, while others have some insurance, but not enough to cover the costs of their daily prescription medications.  Referrals from local  physicians’ offices and Drew Memorial Hospital, and free advertising from local media, link clients with the program. 

The Southeast Arkansas Health Foundation acts as the fiduciary agent for the program.  The one-year AmeriCorp position has provided the staff to develop the program and begin the  implementation phase.  The Coalition has utilized local resources, donations, and fund raising to fund all operating expenses of the program to date.  The first client was seen in March 2007.  This has resulted in a savings of over $300,000 for community members.