Prescription drug cards now available from United Way

Most pharmacies in the
country will accept the discount card.

SALEM — Roger Hack, president of United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County, announced today that more than 1,200 free FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards are now available locally to help people with no prescription coverage lower the cost of their medicine.

Discount cards can be obtained from United Way’s partner agencies that include the Salem Memorial Building, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, or by calling United Way at (330) 337-0310.

People with Internet access can print a card by visiting www.FamilyWize.com. People may also use the Web site to look up drug prices and the list of participating pharmacies.

Most pharmacies in the United States accept the prescription drug discount cards that have no usage or age limits, income requirements or registration forms, and can be used immediately to reduce the cost of medicine for anyone that has no prescription drug coverage.

Where to use them

Local participating pharmacies include Giant Eagle Pharmacy, Marc’s Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Salem Drugs Inc., Walgreens Drug Store and Wal-Mart Super Center in Salem; Family Drug and Rite Aid Pharmacy in Columbiana; Morgan’s Drug and Rite Aid Pharmacy in Lisbon; Rite Aid Pharmacy in East Palestine; and Washingtonville Pharmacy in Washingtonville.

The cards are being distributed free of charge, courtesy of United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County and more than 345 other United Way agencies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as part of in-kind donation by Membership Services Corp. in Lehigh Valley, Pa., and its customers. The corporation helps build relationships between customers and vendors.

Printing for 2 million prescription cards was donated by another company, Independent Graphics of Pittston, Pa.

Dan Barnes, president of Membership Services Corp., said the partnership wants to reduce the cost of medicine for those with no prescription drug coverage by $100 million in five years. He estimated the cards can reduce prescription drug costs by an average of 20 percent or more.