For 34 years, Carroll County’s People Helping People has helped provide prescription medication assistance to county residents from babies to seniors. Working with all pharmacies in the county, this dedicated volunteer organization has literally saved lives. Last year, PHP filled 960 prescriptions at an average monthly cost of $4,000.

People Helping People is now working with the schools to help children who are not receiving their prescribed medications. Going without critical medications makes it difficult, if not impossible, for children to learn and creates a challenging situation for teachers and administrators.

Mercy-Berryville social worker Roberta Kirby, who coordinates the program, says: “The need for PHP continues to increase as evidenced by the number of people calling each month and the increase in our monthly costs. I receive more calls than ever before from people who are at the pharmacy, not able to pick up their meds for whatever reason. Most people are going to prioritize utilities, rent and food, and if there is money left, they will pick up their meds.”

Whether it is antibiotics for a 5-year-old with a dental abscess; mental health meds for a teenager who recently moved to Arkansas; help for a couple who lost all their medications in a house fire; or assistance for a man who, because of car and house repairs, could not afford his co-pay for insulin and heart meds, the intent of PHP is to assist every qualified person and to ensure that children will have their needed medication.

Between the expansion to help school children, the upcoming Medicaid cuts, and the increased need overall, funding for this vital program is critical.

People Helping People operates under the umbrella of Our Healthy Communities. Visit the website at peoplehelping.org. The program’s mailing address is P.O. Box 243, Eureka Springs, AR 72632