FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Fairhope residents are making good use of a discounted prescription drug program offered by the National League of Cities, according to the city of Fairhope.

“Fairhope is ranked second in the state for taking advantage of these discounts, with nearly 2,500 total prescriptions filled through the program since we began offering it in 2009,” Mayor Tim Kant stated in a city news release.

Other cities in the top five for usage of the program are Brewton, Birmingham, Homewood, and Pelham.

The NLC’s Prescription Discount Card Program, introduced to the city by CouncilwomanDebbie Quinn, provides discounts on prescription medicine not covered by insurance.

“The city of Fairhope is pleased to continue offering this program, particularly at this time when everyone is dealing with increased insurance and medical costs,” Quinn stated. “Not only is this program free to residents, but it is free to the city as well. There are no fees, no restrictions, and no limits on how often the card may be used.”

According to the NLC, the Prescription Discount Card Program provides an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of prescription medicines at participating pharmacies. Fairhope is one of approximately 500 cities across the country to make this discount available to its residents.

To take part, all residents need to do is present the card when getting a prescription filled, which can be picked up at Fairhope City Hall and the James P. Nix Center.

The prescription drug discount cards have no restrictions based on age, income level, or existing health coverage and are accepted at all major pharmacy chains nationwide and at most of the pharmacies in Fairhope. Participating pharmacies in Fairhope include CVS, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Walgreen’s, Winn Dixie and Fairhope Pharmacy.

The discount card program is administered by CVS Caremark; more details are available at www.caremark.com/nlc or by calling 1-888-620-1749.