Briefs: Avita medication program, Senior Spring Extravaganza, ODNR honor

Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum
·2 min read

Avita’s Medication Access Program saves patients millions of dollars

Avita Health System announced the expansion of its pharmacist-led Medication Access Program. Launched in January 2022, the program acquired $1.4 million in free or reduced-cost prescriptions in the first year. In the first three months of 2023, Avita has surpassed its goal of doubling that amount by acquiring $3.5 million worth of medications.

The need for Avita’s Medication Access Program became apparent during the pandemic when patients had less access to sample medications because of lockdowns and restrictions. This led to the discovery many patients were reliant on samples when they couldn’t afford their more expensive prescriptions, and patient assistance programs were being underutilized.

Avita's Medication Management Center staff will perform an initial screening to determine if the patient meets the criteria for free or reduced-cost medications. From left are: Brad Schwartz, RPh; Cari Fink, PharmD, BCACP; Mandy Teeters, PharmD; and Tiffany Hill, RPhT.
Avita's Medication Management Center staff will perform an initial screening to determine if the patient meets the criteria for free or reduced-cost medications. From left are: Brad Schwartz, RPh; Cari Fink, PharmD, BCACP; Mandy Teeters, PharmD; and Tiffany Hill, RPhT.

In 2022, over 400 patients were referred to the Medication Access Program, which has access to hundreds of drug manufacturer-sponsored assistance programs. Each program has different requirements, but they are all predominately income-based and geared toward brand-name medications. A referral is required from a medical provider. The Medication Management Center staff will perform an initial screening to determine if the patient meets the criteria for free or reduced-cost medications. Then a one-on-one appointment will be scheduled with a pharmacist.

For more information, visit avitahealth.org.

Senior Spring Extravaganza to be held to celebrate Older Americans Month

ONTARIO − The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging will hold a Senior Spring Extravaganza at 10 a.m. May 11 at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield.

The free event is held in recognition of Older Americans Month and offers guests entertainment, refreshments, resources, information regarding aging issues and a chance to win door prizes. This year's event will include a classic car show, entertainer Randy Velez, free lunch, Bingo and more.

For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 567-247-6487.

Ohio state parks honored as national gold medal finalist

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been selected as a finalist for the 2023 Gold Medal Award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

AAPRA awards the National Gold Medal Award to a park system that demonstrates excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and innovative approaches. Ohio has 75 state parks that offer a range of activities from hiking and fishing to horseback riding and disc golf.

This year’s finalists will compete for the Grand Plaque Award honors and the winners will be announced in October.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Avita Medication Access Program, AAA event for seniors, ODNR honored