The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

February 9, 2010

Beckley plans to buy Prince Street properties

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Beckley city officials have taken the first step in approving property purchases that will allow it to build the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Project.

The first reading of an ordinance authorizing the purchases was approved during Tuesday night’s Beckley Common Council meeting.

The ordinance will move to a public hearing at the next meeting, scheduled for Feb. 23.

According to city documents, the purchases of six properties along Prince Street near the Robert C. Byrd Drive intersection include Southeastern Chemical Co. and Mountaineer Pre-Owned Autos. Mayor Emmett Pugh said it will cost the city about $955,000 because it covers relocation costs for the property owners.

Meanwhile, Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital officials say they are working to participate in a prescription drug discount program that could ultimately benefit patients who cannot afford their prescriptions.

Hospital officials say a major step in that direction was taken Tuesday night when council approved a memorandum of understanding with BARH.

BARH, the memorandum states, wants to participate in a federal drug discount program commonly known as “340 B.” The program was established under Section 340 B of the Public Health Services Act.

The program basically has prescription drug manufacturers provide discounted outpatient drugs to entities like hospitals and clinics, said Jeff Akers, system director of pharmacy for Appalachian Regional Health Care.

Non-hospitalized patients of BARH are eligible, he said.

These would be patients visiting outpatient clinics or ones who have been discharged.

He noted it is not a taxpayer-funded program. The federal government only oversees it.

BARH CEO Rocco Massey said the “significant” amount of indigent care BARH already provides has allowed it to qualify.

He noted it could help patients who often find themselves in a financial gap — having an income too high for services like Medicaid but too low to afford insurance on their own.

Text Only
Local News