FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 2, 2004

CONTACT: Martha Pratt, (850) 510-5558

Department of Elder Affairs Encourages Seniors to Get Extra Supplies of Medicine

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is urging senior citizens to visit their pharmacist or doctor and request additional amounts of their prescription medicines and supplies. These medicines and supplies should be acquired in anticipation of the long-term impact from Hurricane Frances.

“It is important that we recognize the intensity of this storm and make the necessary preparations,” said Terry White, Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. “That is why we are urging seniors who live in areas that may be in Hurricane Frances’ path to go to their pharmacist and request additional medicine. We also encourage family members to check on their loved ones and make sure they have at least a month’s supply of prescription drugs and are being provided with the appropriate care.”

Seniors are advised to do this immediately since pharmacies are already seeing an increase in requests as Frances moves closer to Florida. The best times to do this are early mornings and late evenings. Another reason for the urgency is that communications may not be possible later between the pharmacist and doctor, which could therefore slow the process. Under the current state of emergency, a pharmacist can issue a 30-day supply without having to contact the prescriber.

Seniors who use medicines requiring refrigeration, for example diabetes-related drugs, are advised to use ice chests or coolers with ice to store the medicines.

“Seniors are encouraged to work directly with their pharmacist who can call their HMO and or Medicaid provider on behalf of the senior to expedite the refill process,” says Michael Jackson, Executive Director of the Florida Pharmacy Association. “If seniors are mobile or are evacuating, they should carry records or files or at the very least original containers or bottles in order to avoid any delays.”

DOEA is advising seniors and their families to call 1-800-96-ELDER to get in touch with a SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselor for further information.

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