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4 <br /> North Carolina's First Symposium on Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs <br /> June 12, 1996 <br /> Presentations were given on different pharmacy assistance programs for the working/retired poor <br /> (most of whom are seniors) in the following counties: Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham, <br /> Wake, and Yadkin. Each one has tailored its program to meet their county's needs, and varied in <br /> the length of their existence and experience from a few months to 23 years (Winston-Salem). All <br /> had received startup grants, and many are looking for continuing funding. Each program has a <br /> formulary, which is generally comprised of generic medications, and some have a system for <br /> contacting churches or civic groups to pay for non-generic prescriptions. The individual programs <br /> vary a great deal in how they're administered from those which operate out of hospitals during <br /> designated hours, to those which enable individuals to get their medications from local pharmacies <br /> (at a reduced cost to the program). Generally, a co-payment is requested but for those who can't <br /> pay, it's waived. Winston-Salem, in particular, has an extensive program utilizing the support of its <br /> medical community for the donation of samples, and for fund raising. Due to this support and <br /> manufacturers' donations for individuals, they are able to distribute over$1,000,000 worth of <br /> medications, utilizing 80-100 volunteers, with a$340,000 budget, All of the programs utilize <br /> retired pharmacists, who have maintained their Iicenses, physicians and nurses. The pharmacists are <br /> covered by their own insurance, or that purchased by the program. <br /> There were also presentations and discussions on the fact that a large number of people are illiterate <br /> and are unable to explain the correct administration of their medication. To address this issue, many <br /> programs require people to"re-qualify"on a regular basis which varies from a month to six months. <br /> This affords the pharmacist the opportunity to review all of a person's medications (including <br /> vitamins), and their applications. It has been found that many people are on as many as 36 different <br /> prescriptions at a time. Since many physicians are often involved (without the benefit of <br /> coordination), the number of medications and their interactions should be questioned. Thus, <br /> physician education is a strong component of many programs. <br /> What are the consequences of not having a pharmaceutical assistance program? A higher morbidity <br /> rate, more people needing hospitalization due to the seriousness of their illnesses - which also costs <br /> the taxpayers more money. As one speaker said, "While we are planning,people are dying!" <br /> What can we in Orange County do? We can write Gov. Hunt(put"Aging" in the lower left hand <br /> corner of the envelepe so that he will read it) and our state legislators to urge them to have North <br /> Carolina become the eleventh state with a state-wide program. The Advisory Board on Aging can <br /> advise the county commissioners that they support such a program so that they, in turn, can convey <br /> that to our legislators. With North Carolina the fifth state into which seniors migrate, and the <br /> fiftieth from which they leave, it is imperative that something is done at this level. Within Orange <br /> County, we can utilize the many retired pharmacists and medical professionals to organize a <br /> program under the Wellness Program, which could receive funding. A central volunteer would be <br /> an absolute necessity. If a needs assessment is required, Durham did one about three years ago <br /> which is still valid. A committee of community representatives, including pharmacists,physicians <br /> and the CEO of UNC Memorial Hospitals should be included in the planning and implementation. <br />