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Aging Network Meeting on Project WORTHY and Prescription Drug Cost Survey

 
Tuesday, October 31, 2017  09:00am  11:00am
   

     

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino has announced that Project WORTHY (Westchester Opioid Response Teams Helping You) and the preliminary findings of the Westchester Prescription Drug Cost Survey will be featured topics at the Aging Network meeting on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.  The meeting will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the County Center, 198 Central Park Ave., White Plains.

“The opioid epidemic has had a devastating effect on communities all across America, including right here in Westchester,” said Astorino. “But by working together with the experts, breaking down the silos and mobilizing our resources as part of Project WORTHY, we can and will make a difference.”

            Astorino today also announced that residents who have any unused or excess prescription drugs, over-the-counter pills or medications can safely dispose of them at no charge at the H-MRF, located at 15 Woods Road in Valhalla. As part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the H-MRF will be open on two consecutive Saturdays – October 28 and November 4. Residents can drive up and drop off their unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This location is always available the first Tuesday of each month, except for Election Day. In November, the H-MRF will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Astorino launched Project WORTHY in June 2017.  The effort is a comprehensive approach to combating opioid and drug addiction in Westchester by joining with community experts and resources from the fields of health, mental health, law enforcement, business, education, non-profit organizations and more.

Dr. Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of the Department of Health, and Michael Orth, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Community Mental Health, will participate in Tuesday’s Aging Network meeting to provide an update on Project WORTHY and highlight the resources available.

In addition, Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of the Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS), will unveil the preliminary findings of the Westchester Prescription Drug Cost Survey, which was recently completed by roughly 300 residents over the age of 65. Of note, while the majority of seniors (62 percent) found prescriptions affordable, most (65 percent) also noticed an increase in the cost of their medications. In addition, a third of respondents (33 percent) said they had not filled a prescription because of the cost and the vast majority (94 percent) thought there should be more regulations limiting the cost of drugs. 

The Westchester County Prescription Drug Discount Card will be available at the meeting. The card may be used by those who are uninsured or underinsured to save money, including for medications not covered by their insurance. There are no fees for using the card and there are no costs for taxpayers.

Laura Ehrich, Associate State Director for Engagement at AARP, will also speak on the topic, offering a presentation entitled, “Higher Than Ever: The Rising Costs of Prescription Drugs.”

All are welcome to attend the Aging Network Meeting and registration is not required. The meeting is sponsored by the Department of Senior Programs and Services, the Westchester County Senior Council and the Older Americans Act Advisory Council.

For additional information, call (914) 813-6300 or visit www.westchestergov.com/seniors

 
Location     Westchester County Center, 198 Central Park Avenue, White Plains
Contact      (914) 813-6300
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