For most, the cost of medicine is a burden. But according to Ruth Ann Terry of the Crowley's Ridge Rural Health Coalition, it doesn't have to be that way.

"We have a program that helps anyone that is uninsured or has no medicine coverage," said Terry.

The guidelines for the Medicine Assistance Program (MAP) are not hard to fall into according to Terry.

"Income limits are high enough that in a family of five, the average yearly income has to exceed approximately $60,000 before they don't qualify," said Terry.

During the three years the program has operated in Harrisburg, Terry has helped 234 patients receive 1,504 prescriptions for a total dollar amount of $439,997, according to Terry.

"We have so much more available, if anyone comes in with proof of income and fits within the limits of the program, we can get their medicine for them," she said.

All the leg work for the program is done within the office, but none of the medicine is actually kept in the office.

"We work with the doctors and the prescriptions are either delivered to the doctor's office or straight to the patient," said Terry. "This program is open to anyone that needs medicine and can't afford to get it."

To apply for the medicine assistance, proof of income and a knowledge of the medicine is needed to complete the application. There is a $5 fee for each prescription that must be paid with the application and covers three month supply of the medicine.

Some medicines such as birth control, narcotics and antibiotics are not available through this program according to Terry.

"We are able to get many different types of medication, so anyone that needs assistance just needs to come apply," she said.

The program was originally started in Greene County as a way to help senior citizens that were having trouble with the new Medicaid packages but gradually became a program that could assist anyone at any age.

The local office is inside the Harrisburg Senior Life Center and Terry tries to maintain hours from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

"I am in and out of the office with a lot of leg work on these prescriptions, so if anyone calls and can't reach me, they should just keep trying until they catch me," she said.

Anyone wishing to apply for the medical assistance is asked to call 578-2002 and make an appointment with Ruth Ann Terry