Prescription medications are sometimes considered a luxury by people experiencing financial difficulties. However, some area residents have an opportunity to receive assistance with prescription medication costs thanks to funding made possible by contributions to United Fund.

Lacinda Mitchell, director of the Escambia County Agency on Aging, is working to make sure that area residents in need of assistance with the cost of prescription medication get that help.

“The prescription drug program we have in place is 100 percent funded by United Fund,” Mitchell said. “So far we have served about 75 people through the program. If it weren’t for United Fund contributions we would not be able to offer this assistance.”

Mitchell said the assistance is offered based on need of patients for up to $50 in aid to cover costs of medications.

“If we can help with the cost of medications for people who need assistance we are certainly happy to do that,” Mitchell said. “The money we receive from United Fund is set aside just for that purpose and we are very appreciative for everything we receive for the program.”

The prescription program is just one component of the services office by the Agency on Aging organization.

Mitchell said nutrition centers across the county provide meals for senior citizens as well as homebound residents throughout the area.

“We have the nutrition centers that provide hot meals to those able to come into the site,” Mitchell said. “We also have our Meals-on-Wheels program and a frozen meal program for homebound residents who are in need of some nutritional assistance.”

The Atmore Senior Citizen Center is located on East Ridgeley Street and serves hot lunches five days a week.

The Agency on Aging currently has six nutrition centers throughout the county with locations in Atmore, Brewton, East Brewton, Flomaton, Huxford and Poarch.

Other programs include: Homemaker Program, Legal Services, Senior Discount Program and Senior Medication Program.

The Agency On Aging also acts as a referral point for other services provided to senior citizens in the county, which originate through other agencies.

To learn more about services offered through the Escambia County Agency on Aging, contact Mitchell or any other member of the staff at 368-1032, Ext. 601.