To the editor:

Gloucester residents have a unique opportunity to save on prescription costs while helping improve the health of the city.

In cooperation with the city, NeedyMeds and the Gloucester Fund are offering all Gloucester residents a free drug discount card. The free card, accepted at all the Cape Ann pharmacies, offers a discount of up to 75 percent off the cost of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs written on a prescription pad, and per prescription medicines purchased at the pharmacy.

Anyone can use the card regardless of income level, insurance status, residency, location or age. Although the card cannot be used in combination with insurance, it can be used in place of it. It's great for people with no insurance or if their insurance doesn't cover the medication. You can also send one to relatives or children away in college.

Free cards are available at the Rose Baker Senior Center, Addison Gilbert Hospital Financial Assistance Office, Sawyer Free Library, the city Health Department, Cape Ann Medical Center, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to NeedyMeds, P.O. Box 219, Gloucester, MA 01931.

Each time the card is used, a donation is made to a special fund dedicated to health-related citywide projects. It makes no difference whether the card is used in Gloucester or any other pharmacy in the country. We encourage everyone to get a card.

Sefatia Romeo Theken

Community Health/Human Services Liaison,

Addison Gilbert Hospital

Rich Sagall, MD,

President, NeedyMeds

Barry Pett

President, The Gloucester Fund