TAMA NEWS-HERALD (SPECIAL) – In its second full year of operation, the Iowa Prescription Drug Donation Repository Program has helped more than 5,300 low-income Iowans receive needed prescription medications. More than 795,000 doses of prescription medications with a retail value of $1,141,777 were distributed to participating Iowa free clinics, community health centers, doctor offices and pharmacies.

“The number of Iowans who need help paying for their prescription medications continues to grow,” said Executive Director David Fries. The program allows for the donation of medications that would have otherwise been destroyed. The majority of the donations come from long term care pharmacies, physician’s medication samples and individual donations. Any single-unit dosed medication or medications in their original sealed packaging, except for controlled substance and medications that require refrigeration, can be donated. All donated medications are inspected by a pharmacist prior to being distributed.

Patients who are uninsured, underinsured or have a family income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to receive medication from participating medical facilities and pharmacies. Over 9,000 Iowans have received free medications since the program began March 2007.