Con. Boyd secures funding for prescription drug assistance in Gadsden County

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured $100,000 in federal funding to provide prescription drug assistance to low income residents in Gadsden County. This funding was included in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act (HR 3043) for Fiscal Year 2008, which passed last week in the House of Representatives, and it will be administered under Gadsden Health Council's Prescription Assistance Medical Services (PAMS) Program.

"I'm so proud that I was able to secure federal funding that will help the people of Gadsden County have better access to prescription drugs," said Congressman Boyd. "The PAMS program is helping to make life-saving medicines available to those who are most in need. This program provides an invaluable service to many people in Gadsden County, and they will greatly benefit from this additional funding."

In 2005, PAMS issued over $800,000 worth of medication to 396 patients in Gadsden County, and approximately 500 patients are expected to be served with this increase in funding.

Funding for prescription assistance in Gadsden County was a top priority of the District Healthcare Council, with Congressman Boyd formed in 2005 to help meet the critical healthcare needs of North Florida's communities. Congressman Boyd's District Healthcare Council focuses on regional problem solving and coordination among neighboring counties. The District
Healthcare Council is comprised of 25 representatives from l6 counties across North Florida, and Max Martinez of the Gadsden Health Council represents Gadsden County on the council.

"I understand the struggles that Gadsden County and other rural communities in our area face when it comes to providing basic healthcare," Boyd stated. "I will continue to work. with the I community, the state and local agencies, and in Washington to address our concerns about the availability, affordability, and quality of healthcare in North Florida."