This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.These are tough economic times in Nevada, and for many, the holidays are a time when already tight budgets become even tighter. We at Carson City Health and Human Services know that there are people in our community who struggle to afford their medications, and that’s why we are excited to announce a new partnership with NeedyMeds, a national nonprofit organization. This collaboration allows the health department to bring a new, cost-saving program to residents of Carson City and the surrounding area. The Community Access to Medications Program helps community members save on their prescription and health care costs. Anyone is eligible to participate in CAMP. Participants will receive a Carson City NeedyMeds drug discount card. The card is accepted by most of the area pharmacies, and provides a discount for consumers who do not have insurance or who purchase prescriptions drugs that are not covered by their insurance plan. The drug discount card will be provided free for any area resident. Card users can get up to an 80 percent discount on prescription medications, over-the-counter medications or medical supplies written as a prescription, as well as pet medications purchased at a pharmacy.CAMP also will help local residents enroll in patient assistance programs, offered by many pharmaceutical manufacturers. They supply medications at no or low cost to individuals who can’t afford to purchase the medicines. The applicants have to meet certain requirements to qualify for these programs. A CAMP discount card is available for download from our website by scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and clicking on the Free Prescription Discount Card link. Cards are also being distributed at the Health Department. For more information about the NeedyMeds CAMP program or other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs. Information about the NeedyMeds organization can be obtained by visiting www.needymeds.org.Food for Flu is back: Through the end of the year, bring in two non-perishable food items to receive a voucher for a free flu vaccine, redeemable any Thursday in December in our clinic. If you have not yet received your flu shot, this is a great opportunity for you to receive it while helping to feed the hungry in our community. Carson City Health and Human Services900 E. Long St., Carson City.Call 775-887-2195.Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday; call for appointment.Well-child visits: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays.Men’s clinic: 4-6 p.m. Mondays.Immunization Day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. Thursdays.Douglas CountyCommunity Health1538 Highway 395 North (corner of Spruce Street and Cemetery Lane).Call 775-782-9038.Clinic hours: 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.Monday is Immunization Day: No appointment needed, 1-4:30 p.m.
