WINTON – On Tuesday, Hertford County launched a discount drug program to assist its citizens in dealing with the high costs of prescription drugs.

The new cards, part of an effort between the county and the National Association of Counties (NACo) which spanned several months, offer average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescription drugs.

The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted at participating local pharmacies n

The cards will also be honored at more than 57,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.

Curtis Freeman, Chairman of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners, praised the new discount card.

&uot;Hertford County is proud to be one of the counties nationwide participating with NACo,&uot; Freeman said. &uot; The NACo prescription discount card offers significant savings for the uninsured and underinsured residents of our county.&uot;

Freeman noted that the card could still be used by citizens who have prescription coverage to save money on drugs not covered by their health plan.

&uot;Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy,&uot; Freeman added. &uot;Simply present it at a participating pharmacy. There is no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use.&uot;

The County Manager’s office has issued a list of participating pharmacies that will honor the discount drug card:

Murfreesboro – Colonial Pharmacy Inc., CVS Pharmacy

Ahoskie – Drugco Discount Pharmacy, Eckerd Drugs, Mizelle’s Discount Drug Co Inc., Wal-Mart Pharmacy.

County Manager Loria Williams said that the cards would be available immediately at her office in Winton as well as government and health offices across the county.

For more information call 358-7805 or toll free 1-877-321-2652.

You may also visit NACo’s web site at https://nacp.advancerx.com for information and assistance.