AARP to Host Rally in Las Cruces Highlighting High Prices of Prescription Drugs

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Americans are tired of paying some of the most expensive prices for prescription drugs in the world. AARP is asking people to join it in urging Congress to work together to find solutions to these high prices and lower drug costs.

Now you have an opportunity to add your voice to the conversation at a special Rx Prescription Drug Rally in Las Cruces, Saturday, Aug. 17^th. Join us and let your elected officials know that it’s time to crack down on drug companies for charging Americans the highest prices in the world for the medicines they need.

The Rally will begin at 9 a.m. at the Las Cruces Downtown Plaza with comments by AARP New Mexico and local elected leaders. Heidi Byrd from Sen. Martin Heinrich’s office as well as Ashley Beyer, from Rep. Xochitl Torres Small’s office are expected to be in attendance as well as Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and City Councilors Yvonne Flores and Gill Sorg.

“What we are finding is that drug costs, particularly if you have a chronic condition, have gotten so high that individuals must either find ways to fund their medicine – like obtaining a grant through a private organization – or simply go without, and that just isn’t right,” said DeAnza Valencia, AARP New Mexico Associate State Director for Advocacy.

“What we’re hoping to do at the Rally is bring people together to collectively use their voices to convince Congress to take action,” Valencia said.

“AARP wants Congress to stop letting drug companies price gouge seniors and hardworking New Mexicans and pass bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug prices,” she said.

AttachmentFollowing the public remarks, people will have a chance to sign a petition that will be sent to New Mexico’s Congressional delegation. People will also have the opportunity to share their personal stories.

The event will also feature a performance by Mariachi Las Muñecas, an all-female teenage group.

For more information, see AARP's Rx Campaign site: www.aarp.org/rx