United Way Backs FREE Rx Drug Discount Card Program

The United Way of Greater Augusta in partnership with their funded agencies and the local Salvation Army organizations have launched a FREE prescription drug discount card program.

Cards are available to local citizens who have no prescription drug coverage.  Statistics show that 17,250 area citizens are medically uninsured. Average savings per prescription may be as much as $19.06 when the medicine costs is lower than the pharmacy price, which is 83.4% of the time.

“Recently a local person saved $130 toward their prescriptions totaling $262,” stated Sandra Stanwitz, UWGA Executive Director. “Each card has a retail value of $30 and with nearly 1000 cards to distribute, this equates to a minimum of $30,000 in-vestment into the health of our community.”

"While this investment enables these consumers to realize additional savings toward their healthcare needs, equally important is the community impact of more stable homes and families which cannot be measured in dollars,” Stanwitz said.

Donna Gum, Executive Director of the Mental Health America of Augusta  said, “This program will provide vital support to many of our clients who have critical needs in the area of good mental health.  We at MHAA are proud to participate in this United Way program.”

The program is available through a national organization whose 2007/08 goal is to issue 3,000,000 more cards valued at $90 million. Those interested in participating may pickup their cards at the Salvation Army located at 246 Arch Avenue in Waynesboro or 1700 West Beverley Street in Staunton.