Assistance programs in Cherokee County.
Prescription assistance from Helping Others Pursue Enrichment (HOPE)
One of Helping Others Pursue Enrichment’s programs that not many people know about is a prescription application assistance program. From this assistance program, millions of dollars in free prescription medicine and drugs have been given to hundreds of people who live throughout Cherokee County Texas.
There are some conditions to apply for this assistance, including those interested must have their driver’s license Social Security card, supplemental insurance card, a copy of a recent 1040 tax form, verification of all income, current check statement, Social Security award letter or copy of the Social Security check, , a health insurance card, certificate of deposit value statement, annuities value statement, all current medication or a list of medication from a pharmacy and, last but not least, a letter of eligibility from the Department of Human Service stating ineligibility for any of their other services or resources.
There are about 90 pharmaceutical companies that offer people patient assistance programs. Each program will have its own guidelines, restrictions and requirements. For example, if you are someone who is taking five different prescription drugs, you may need to meet the guidelines of five different pharmaceutical companies.
Patients who are accepted into the program may receive up to 90 days of free medications. After this 90 day period, the majority of these pharmaceutical companies will require re-application for further aid. The assistance program covers brand-name medications.
The medications are completely free if the patient’s application is accepted by the drug company, though HOPE may require a small a $5 fee upon future visits to offset the cost of application deliveries, postage, and copies.
As indicated above, Helping Others Pursue Enrichment program will require subsequent visits every 60 days to re-apply for the 90-day supply of medications. And please note that the application procedures can take up to eight weeks following the first application submission, so plan accordingly.
For more information or to apply for help, call HOPE at 903-586-7781.
Resources that offer food, rent, utility, and other financial help
The Eastern Texas Community Action Agency is one of the region’s leading non-profit agencies. While some limited, short term emergency assistance may be available in Rusk and across the county, most of the services are state of Texas or federally funded. Some of the resources include.
- Child development as part of Head Start. This can also offer meals, free medical and dental care.
- Utility bill assistance. This includes both grants to pay bills from CEAP / LIHEAP as well as information on conservation such as weatherization and more.
- Job placement and training from Project Turn Around.
- Very low income Cherokee County families may receive emergency funds for needs such as rent or other bills.
- Case management and referrals are offered. For example, learn about regional food pantries.
A number of other resources are offered from the GETCAP non-profit. More on assistance from Greater East Texas Community Action.
Rusk Salvation Army Corp Center serves the region. The non-profit focuses on basic needs, such as distributing food, clothing, and shelter. Financial aid, while possible, is very limited. Qualified low income families may receive help with a rent or energy bill payment, but it is rare.
Other services include League of Mercy for seniors, transitional housing, and the Salvation Army also offers referrals in Cherokee County Texas. There are also free back to school supplies for students from all grades as well as Christmas toys (and Adopt a Family) in Cherokee County. Read more.
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