TownLoafer Magazine Online

United Way of Forsyth County works to improve lives in Forsyth and Dawson Counties by mobilizing the caring power and spirit of our citizens. They are a 20-year organization, committed to providing support and expanding programs which raise awareness of local needs and services, continually measure need priorities, facilitate the formation of partnerships and collaborations, and cultivate greater support of local providers through volunteer coordination efforts. We all know that in these tough times, some of the most basic needs go unmet. To help, United Way of Forsyth County has partnered with the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card program.

40% of people in the United States in the last two years have either skipped filling a prescription or reduced doses because the medicine was too expensive. To address this, more than 810 United Way agencies and America’s Promise Alliance Partners, in all 50 states, have come together to provide Free FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards that have decreased the cost of medicine by an average of 30% or more - $20 per prescription! With this program, millions of people without health insurance, or who have to buy medicines not covered by insurance, Medicare, or other programs, can now afford their medicine and basic needs.

The uninsured and underinsured are often in poorer health. Taking medication as prescribed, with recommended frequency and dosage, prevents the spread of illness, keeps ongoing conditions under control, decreases absenteeism at work and school, reduces the cost of hospital and medical care needed by addressing health problems at earlier stages, and improves health in the entire community.

United Way of Forsyth County helps achieve this by distributing as many Free FamilyWize cards to local pharmacies and nonprofit organizations as possible to lower the cost of medicine so more people can afford to buy the medicine they need. Starting in June of 2008, Forsyth County has made claims with an average savings of 41% or $34,858.23. Dawson County has made claims with an average savings of 35% or $179,876.01. Since January of this year, both counties have had an increase in savings of almost 80%!

We know it may sound too good to be true, but it’s not. 95% of the pharmacies nationwide have agreed to provide lower pricing to everyone that brings in a FamilyWize prescription drug discount card. The goal is to reduce the cost of medicine for people in need by at least $100 million all over the United States.

For a list of participating organizations and pharmacies, additional cards, drug prices, restrictions, and other program information, visit www.familywize.org.

For more information:
United Way of Forsyth County
770-781-4110
www.unitedwayforsyth.com