In 2001, The Rapides Foundation launched a program that helped eligible Central Louisiana residents get their prescription medicines for free. Eight years later, the Cenla Medication Access Program is offering its medication assistance in all 64 parishes in Louisiana.

“We had always hoped we would be able to extend our services beyond our original service area,” said Program Director Wendy Roy, who has led CMAP since its inception. “It is wonderful to know that all Louisianans who qualify and need help with their medications will now be able to get services.”

In 2008, CMAP formed a partnership with the Louisiana Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health that led to its expansion into 30 parishes outside the nine parishes that make up The Rapides Foundation’s service area. In October 2009, the coverage area officially became the entire state.

“Unfortunately Louisiana has many people who are uninsured, so CMAP is excited to know we can help them with their prescription needs. Helping people stay out of hospitals and emergency rooms and keeping them healthy and on their prescribed medications is very gratifying,” Roy said.

The Rapides Foundation first formed CMAP after research indicated a significant problem with medication access for area residents who lived at or below the poverty level and did not have prescription benefits. CMAP now has a central fill pharmacy that relies on medications donated through patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

Joe Rosier, president and chief executive officer of The Rapides Foundation, said CMAP has helped to save lives, especially in these economic hard times where people are forced to make a decision between paying bills and purchasing medicine. "With CMAP, they don't have to skip their life-saving medications."

CMAP has become a model of excellence. The medical community praises it for filling a void by putting life-saving medications in the hands of people who otherwise cannot afford them. Residents who use CMAP say they are thankful they no longer have to skip their daily and costly medicines in order to put food on the table. With CMAP, they never have to sacrifice their health.