There is a resource to help make prescription drugs more affordable to everyone, especially those with health insurance.

Funded by the National Association of Counties and Caremark, the DeKalb County Prescription Discount Drug Card is free and available for unlimited use to all DeKalb residents and college students regardless of age or income and can be used for the entire family.

“People will be happy with the knowledge that there is something out there to help them with their high-cost drugs,” said Ruth Anne Tobias, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Board.

The drug card enables users to save an average of 20 percent on their prescription drugs at local pharmacies and up to 50 percent for mail prescription orders.

One can obtain a drug card through a local participating pharmacy or doctor’s office. There are no forms to fill out or fees to pay, and most locations have them right on the counter.

This card has been available since the beginning of December, and more than 16,500 cards have been sent to local pharmacies, doctor’s offices and the DeKalb and Sycamore public libraries. However, Lehan Drugs is not currently a member of the program, and while Eggleston’s in Sycamore and Genoa accept the card, they do not have cards available.

Eric J. Johnson, a DeKalb County Board member, said the program is successful and will continue to be as long as it continues to be supported by local businesses.

Fortunately for animal lovers, this card can also be used for pets. When an animal is given a prescription that also is used by humans, such as heart medication, the same discount will be offered regardless of the species of animal.

However, the DeKalb County Board is still in the process of distributing these cards to veterinarian offices, so they might not yet be available there.