News From Arkansas

AARP in Your State

October 2009

Stop the bleeding — To underscore the futility of putting temporary patches on the nation's health care system, AARP Arkansas has joined the No More Band Aids grassroots campaign.

The state campaign urges concerned citizens to stick a Band-Aid on an index card and write a brief note to each member of the Arkansas congressional delegation, telling about a parent, coworker, neighbor or friend who has suffered under the current system.

Prescription drug costs are a chief concern. In 2007 about one in three Medicare Part D enrollees in the state hit the "doughnut hole," a gap in coverage during which they were responsible for 100 percent of their drug costs—plus premiums—until they spent an additional $3,850. That figure jumped to $4,350 this year.

To learn about the campaign, visit www.nomorebandaids.org or go to www.aarp.org/ar.

September 2009

Diversity effort — Activities in the Arkansas Delta this month aim to increase awareness of AARP among African American communities. Included on the agenda are free health screenings when the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour comes to West Memphis on Sept. 30 and stops at the Delta Blues and Heritage Festival in Helena Oct. 9 to 10.

The bus is staffed by technicians and equipped to measure participants' blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, bone density, body mass index and waist circumference. Everyone receiving a screening will also get a free, one-year AARP membership (or, if already a member, a one-year renewal).

To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/ar.