As chairman of the Senate Health Commitee, Senator Kemp Hannon is extremely aware of the rising cost of prescription medications, especially for senior citizens. That is why he, along with his fellow legislators, have led the way in creating the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program. EPIC is a New York State sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens that need help paying for their prescriptions. Over 330,000 seniors already belong and are saving over half the cost of their medicines. New York State residents can join EPIC if they are 65 or older, and have an annual income of $35,000 or less if single, or $50,000 or less if married. If you qualify for the EPIC program and have not yet applied, you may contact Senator Hannon's Community Office at 739-1700 for assistance in applying for EPIC.

Senator Kemp Hannon today announced that $59,000 has been awarded to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This grant is awarded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) through the New York State Children and Family Trust Fund as part of $647,700 granted to programs across the state to fight child abuse and domestic violence.

"Children are the key to our future, and every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe, loving environment free from violence. I am pleased that the state recognizes the important work of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and this grant is a tremendous help to their efforts." Hannon said.

The Nassau Coalition Against Domestic Violence proposes to use the grant to place a bilingual children's counselor with domestic violence expertise in three community-based settings in different areas of Nassau County. In specialized settings where the non-abusive parent and child are already involved, the project would have easy access to child witness specific services for 40 children (primarily 6-12) and collateral support to the victim or parents regarding the children's needs. Services would also include linkages to other services such as safe housing and advocacy.