Thirteen pharmacies in the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in EPAP, which pays for prescription drugs for uninsured people affected by disasters. People in need of certain drugs can get a 30-day supply at any of the participating pharmacies free of charge, and patients can renew their prescriptions every 30 days while the program is active.
“This program provides vital assistance to people without insurance who rely upon certain prescription medicines to protect their health after disasters,” said HHS’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, MD. “I encourage U.S. Virgin Islands residents who can use this assistance to take advantage of it to ensure they have an adequate supply of the medicines they need.”
EPAP can also be used to replace maintenance drugs, certain medical supplies, vaccines or medical equipment lost in a disaster.
President Donald Trump issued a disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands Sept. 21 due to Hurricane Maria after then-HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, declared the situation a public health emergency Sept. 19 prior to the storm’s landfall.
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