FARMINGTON – FHA-Rx, a program of Franklin Health Access, helps residents with access to affordable prescription medications.

The staff can apply for medications provided directly from pharmaceutical companies, offered at lower cost or sometimes free. Staff can also help get discount drug cards or free samples.

The Franklin Health Access-Rx project is made possible by a $1 million grant awarded to Franklin Community Health Network by the Healthy Communities Access Program through the Health Resources and Service Administration in 2005 to improve access to prescription medications. Additional grant funding was awarded from the Maine Health Access Foundation in September 2006.

“Sometimes we can get generic medicine at a lower cost or we can get medicines right from the pharmaceutical company for free or at reduced cost,” said Charlie Woodcock, FHA director. “We can also work with doctors to see if there is a less expensive medicine, which can also be effective in treating the medical condition.”

Woodcock said FHA-Rx has acquired almost a quarter of a million dollars in free medications for area residents.

The guidelines for free or low cost medications vary by drug company. Anyone seeking prescription assistance should contact Franklin Health Access for an appointment to see if he or she qualifies.

Those who do will complete an application with Dianna White, FHA-Rx prescription assistance coordinator. Applications typically require the patient’s signature, physician’s signature and financial records or documentation. Once approved, the medications will then be sent to the client’s home or to their physician’s office.

For more information, call Franklin Health Access at 779-2772 or 1-888-952-2772 or stop by their offices on Route 2 in East Wilton.