Local businesses, churches, and other employers can call United Way of the EUP for free FamilyWize prescription discount cards for their employees and families. Individuals can pick up cards at some local pharmacies, listed below.

The cards are prescription drug discount cards that reduce the cost of medicine by an average of 35%, or $20 per prescription. Card users simply give them to participating pharmacists with the prescriptions from their doctor. The discount varies by medication and the pharmacist will apply the discount automatically. People will save eight times out of 10 over the pharmacy price.

The only time there is no discount is when the pharmacy price is already lower, because the program ensures people always pay the lowest price.

The cards can be used by everyone, not just people with no insurance.

"This program can touch so many people in our community," said Molly Paquin, executive director of United Way of the EUP. "With the rising cost of living, and lack of health insurance, many people skip their medications or reduce their dosages due to lack of affordability, and then more people get sick and miss work. This program doesn't solve the whole problem, but it does help provide some relief."

The savings on the cost of medicine is provided voluntarily by participating pharmacies.

Cards may also be available at participating pharmacies. According to FamilyWize, EUP pharmacies that have agreed to participate include Bay Pharmacy in St. Ignace, Arfstrom's in both Sault Ste. Marie and Cedarville, Bay Mills Indian Community Health Center Pharmacy, Glens Pharmacy, Sault Community Pharmacy, WalMart Pharmacy, and Snyders Drugs in Newberry. Rite Aid and Walgreen's will accept the cards but are not allowed to distribute or display them.

Organizations and businesses wishing to obtain a supply of cards are asked to call United Way of the EUP at 632-3700. Pharmacies that run out of their supply can obtain more from United Way.

The prescription drug discount cards are being distributed free of charge by United Way of the EUP, the FamilyWize Partnership, and more than 700 other United Ways and Alliance Partners in America's Promise in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. United Way's Lake Superior State University intern, Kellie Kaunisto, also worked on this project, Mrs. Paquin reported.