SDPB Television to Examine Prescription Drug Costs

Vermillion - SDPB Television looks at the rising cost of prescription drugs during a live taping of South Dakota Focus on Thursday, May 22, at 8 p.m. CT/ 7 MT.

Tamoxifen - a drug used by breast cancer patients - can cost $232 for a 30-to-90 day supply for the generic brand in the U.S. To purchase the Canadian generic brand, the price drops to just $61. Why the price differences? While politicians in Washington examine this issue, South Dakota and other states are taking the issue into their own hands.

Expert panelists on the prescription drug issue in South Dakota join host Richard Muller to answer questions from people around the state. Guest panelists include:

Deb Bowman, Governor's Office;

Paul Fox, Dakota Canadian Discount Medical;

Kathleen Skoglund, Adult Services and Aging District Supervisor, South Dakota Department of Social Services;

Rick Weiland, State Director, AARP.

The 14th season of Focus concludes on Thursday, May 29, at 8 p.m. CT/ 7 MT with a feature on racial profiling in South Dakota.

To submit a question to South Dakota Focus, call 1-877-TALK-PTV during the show or e-mail the program at SDFocus@sdpb.org. South Dakota Focus, a regular feature of SDPB Television, zeroes in on the issues and the problems on South Dakotans’ minds. Viewers who miss the show can see it and past episodes of Focus online at sdpb.org.

For more information on this or other SDPB programs, call 1-800-456-0766 or visit the Web site at sdpb.org.

-SDPB-

South Dakota Public Broadcasting is South Dakota's statewide public broadcasting network. SDPB is a vital community resource producing and broadcasting high-quality, commercial-free programs and valuable community outreach projects that educate, enlighten and entertain.

SDPB Television stations include: Channel 2, Vermillion; Channel 8, Brookings; Channel 8, Martin; Channel 9, Rapid City; Channel 10, Pierre; Channel 11, Lowry; Channel 13, Eagle Butte; Channel 16, Aberdeen; Channel 23, Sioux Falls.