Amador County – Amador County Supervisors disbursed an expected $14,000 from local prescription discount cards to two programs that help local seniors.

The Board voted 5-0 to split funds from the Coast to Coast Rx discount card program, with half going to the A-TCAA’s “Lifeline” program, the other half to Common Ground’s “Meals on Wheels.”

Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said it is at “zero cost to the county” that Coast to Coast RX cards are used, giving discounts on medication purchases, even for pets. He said “we actually receive a small royalty of about $14,000 a year.”

Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency’s Lifeline program Supervisor Virginia Manner said “we have not raised our fees in seven years.” She works closely with Meals on Wheels, operated by Common Ground Senior Services, and they refer clients to one another.

Manner said: “I thank you on behalf of our 225 clients in Amador County, and it will be eight years that we don’t have to raise our rates.” Lifeline has two part-time employees, and groups of volunteers, who pay check-in calls on clients, and send them birthday and holiday cards. Many clients have no family here.

Manner said “the money you have given us has allowed us to upgrade equipment and batteries” and other items, “so your money helped sustain this program.”

Supervisor Brian Oneto thanked Plasse for bringing the Lifeline program to the Board. Supervisor Louis Boitano said Lifeline “brings a great peace of mind to the families.” His father is a client, even though he lives right next door. “We are right there, but things happen.”

Supervisor Ted Novelli said funds would help with the Meals on Wheels for the increased cost of gas, and for wear and tear on vehicles. Oneto said the Meals on Wheels budget has been cut in recent years, so it could use the help.

Novelli said “Miss Manner does a good job on checking on Upcountry people on these Lifelines.” He said it is best to keep people in their homes, rather than in care homes, so they “do not have to go where they do not want to be.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.