Health insurance companies should allow patients to buy prescriptions at community pharmacies rather than requiring the use of mail-order services.  They should have a choice and not be forced to mail away.

Packages that arrive through mail order compromise privacy and, in instances where drugs need refrigeration, can result in spoilage.  In addition, mail-order arrangements may not stay current with patients whose drug dosages fluctuate, posing a health risk.  Sometimes medicines do not show up on time.  

Mailing away can hurt your local independent pharmacy.  pharmacists say some people, particularly the elderly who are taking multiple medications, benefit from going into a store and having a pharmacist oversee their prescriptions. They say many customers prefer being able to shop at places where they have longtime relationships with pharmacists.

We have been told time and again by officials and politicians to buy local, yet our city  did not have a choice.  The union voted to have mail away prescriptions.  It will save some money at first, but not in the long run.  This is also happening in many other workplace unions.  

The Medicine Place was there and active in supporting our community when the state wanted to close the Ogdensburg Correctional Facilty and SLCP.  Now we are asking for our community's support and help to fight mail order pharmacy.  Let's stick together as a community! It's time for change!