COLUMBIA, Tenn. — For more than 15 years, the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has partnered with The Family Center to provide critical support to individuals and families in need of medication assistance to treat illnesses like diabetes, viral infections and others, improving the health outcomes and quality of life of Maury County residents.
The Family Center’s medication assistance program — with support of the Foundation — is designed to support low-income individuals who may struggle to afford their prescriptions. By covering essential medication costs, The Family Center helps community members receive the care they need, without the financial burden.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation,” said Dawn Taylor, executive director of The Family Center. “Their support has been invaluable in sustaining our medication assistance program. Many of our clients face difficult choices between paying for their prescriptions or other basic needs, and this program provides them with the relief they need to be stable and healthy.”
To participate in the medication assistance program, individuals or families can apply through The Family Center. If approved, they will then transfer their prescriptions to a designated pharmacy located in Columbia, where their prescriptions will be filled. This streamlined approach allows participants to focus on their health while the organization covers the cost of their essential prescriptions. This does not cover narcotics or painkillers and has an annual limit of $250.
“The Family Center’s dedication to meeting the health and well-being needs of our community aligns with our mission,” said Patrick Harlan of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. “By supporting their medication assistance program, we’re helping our community stay healthy and prevent or manage serious illnesses.”
Founded in 1994, The Family Center is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. They are a longstanding nonprofit that takes a holistic approach to supporting their community, aiming to enhance stability and health. Over the years, it has evolved into a multi-faceted organization addressing various community needs, especially during times of economic hardship and in support of children and the unhoused population. In addition to medication assistance, they offer a variety of programs that range from providing financial support for rent or utilities and assistance with food, eyeglasses and more.
Fall marks a busy season for The Family Center. In 2023, they provided 141 backpacks with school supplies to children in Maury County, 807 turkeys for households for Thanksgiving and gifts for 1,236 children for the holidays through a program called Santa’s Workshop. In 2024, that number is expected to grow.
To learn more about The Family Center and how you can support their programs, including volunteering, visit FamilyCenter.org/Programs or call 931.388.3840.
The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation works to expand health care services and community outreach programs throughout southern Middle Tennessee. Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Foundation has provided more than $5.1 million in programs and services throughout the region since its formation in 2006.
To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation and how you can support their programs like medication assistance, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.
The Maury Regional Health Care Foundation receives a tour of The Family Center’s food pantry.
Pictured left to right: Courtney Lewandowski (Maury Regional Health Care Foundation), Dawn Taylor (The Family Center) and Patrick Harlin (Maury Regional Health Care Foundation).