Vitamin program means savings to expectant mothers

By Jason M. White

February 02, 2008 10:06 pm

— Saving $15 a month may not seem like much to seem people.
But for those expecting a first child, every penny is important, Anderson resident Julie Adams said.
“Any type of medicine, or anything we need that we can get for free is a blessing,” Adams said.
In January, Marsh Supermarkets announced a new program offering free prenatal vitamins to expectant mothers.
The Prenatal Select Program is available to anyone with a valid prescription for prenatal vitamins, said Connie Gardner, a spokeswoman with Marsh Supermarkets.
The program offers three types of vitamins from the Ethex Corporation:
- Advanced NatalCare.
- NataTab Rx.
- NatalCare Plus Vanilla.
Prescriptions are filled once a month for up to a year. Each prescription typically costs $15 for a 30-day supply, Gardner said.
These vitamins may seem cheap, but even cheap costs add up, Adams said.
“Gas is more expensive, groceries are more expensive, everything’s more expensive, so anytime you add a cost to your life, it hurts,” Adams said.
Anderson resident Katie Elder and her husband have cut several expenses because of her pregnancy.
They no longer eat at restaurants and limit their driving to work and the doctor’s office.
“We try to at least,” Elder said. “It’s hard to do sometimes.”
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Marsh pharmacies Prenatal Select Program
• Offers free prenatal vitamins to anyone with a valid prescription.
• Available vitamins are Ethex brands: Advanced NatalCare, NataTab Rx and NatalCare Plus Vanilla.
• Prescriptions are filled once a month for up to a year.

Marsh Supermarket pharmacies in Madison County:
• 2940 N. Broadway, Anderson
• 2810 Nichol Ave., Anderson
• 3015 W. U.S. 36, Pendleton