Thanks to an unprecedented amount of support from the community, the state Board of Pharmacy has decided to proceed with a plan to help Nevadans obtain safe and affordable prescription drugs from Canada through a state-run Web site.

The program was passed in the 2005 Legislature but was delayed after an Attorney General opinion questioned the wording of the law.

The Board of Pharmacy already had inspected and approved several Canadian pharmacies to ensure they provided drugs that met FDA standards.

And on Jan. 12, board members made the decision to proceed with the program, with hopes that a state-run Web site could connect seniors to the approved pharmacies by June or even sooner.

Before the board meeting, more than 100 seniors and other supporters of the program rallied in support of the program. More than 1,200 people signed an online petition in favor of the program. And a bipartisan group of legislators rose up in support of the law that created the program.

Nevadans—especially seniors on a limited income—are increasingly feeling the pinch of day-to-day living. Energy prices are up, housing prices are up, and health care prices are skyrocketing.

Democrats hope the Canadian drug program will provide immediate relief to Nevadans struggling to cope with health care costs. But Democrats at all levels of government are committed to talking about long-term solutions to ensure that all people have access to quality and affordable health care.

In the coming months, check the Democratic Party Web site, www.nvdems.com, for updates on the Canadian drug program.

Kirsten Searer
Communications Director
Nevada State Democratic Party