People on fixed incomes, such as seniors or others in need, often have trouble paying for expensive medications. In a program generated by the Senior Life Cycle of the Grant County Health Council of Grant County, New Mexico, RSVP volunteers help seniors and others obtain medications through a prescription assistance program offered nationally by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). In this program initiated by health care professionals, member companies of PhRMA provide drugs to physicians for low-income qualifying patients, but the process can be complicated and time-consuming for patients. RSVP volunteers provide invaluable support by helping patients complete the necessary paperwork.

The mission of the Health Council is to enhance the quality of life in Grant County, New Mexico, through assessment of needs, planning and prioritizing, and coordinating of efforts to meet those needs.

Senior Life Cycle has 10-12 volunteers working several mornings a week at two doctor's offices. From January-September 2001, one center counted 900 patient contacts. Each person might need five to eight medicines, each refilled every three months, so the Medication Assistance Program volunteers estimate that this one center helped 350 people obtain prescriptions each quarter. Statistics are being compiled for the second center and will be available soon.