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Kumler's Drug Assistance Program Low on Donations

Posted on: Friday, 22 July 2005, 18:01 CDT

Each month, Springfield resident Ted Sarver needs about $1,200 worth of prescription medication to manage his multiple health problems.

But he can't afford to pay for the medicine himself.

"I don't take home ($1,200) a month. ... I have a seizure disorder, bad heart, bad lungs. You name it, I got it," Sarver said.

Luckily, Sarver is one of 4,200 people enrolled in a program at Kumler Neighborhood Ministries that provides free prescription medicine to at-need clients who are uninsured. The program, which has operated for about eight years, supplied about $1 million worth of free medicine last year.

While the program has been successful, officials at Kumler are worried. The program's budget has been cut due to the loss of two grants, and officials are being forced to ration out their few remaining dollars until they receive money from their remaining grant.

"What's happening is we are running out of money after the first two weeks of each month," said Michele Tucker, Kumler's executive director. "So, in the last two weeks (of July) we have had to turn people away. We have never had to turn prescription clients away."

Most prescriptions provided through Kumler's program come from free medication provided by manufacturers. Because of the application process, however, it can take six to eight weeks for that medication to reach the patient.

To help clients through those first weeks, Kumler buys them an initial supply.

During Kumler's fiscal year 2005 grant cycle, which ended in June, the program had a budget of about $140,000. The program is expected to have somewhere in the mid-$90,000 range for the upcoming year.

The one grant remaining is from the Illinois Department of Human Services' Bureau of Homeless Services and Supportive Housing. In addition to the grant, Kumler also receives donations for the program.

Tucker hopes Kumler will receive the state money in September.

The medications supplied by the drug manufacturers are for Kumler clients who have ongoing medical problems.

Kumler also provides free medication to qualifying people with temporary medical problems. Those medications, which often include antibiotics or pain medication, are not donated by the manufacturers. As a result, Kumler has to cover the costs.

"(The number of temporary clients) is growing. We seem to see a lot of individuals, who because of the lack of insurance, they are using the emergency room as their primary care physician," Tucker said.

Qualification for Kumler's prescription program is based on income. People with any type of insurance are not allowed to participate.

For more information on the program or to donate, call Kumler at 523-2269.

Source: State Journal Register

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