A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine released data on the amount of medication mistakes in clinical settings.

Many errors with medications have been made in places such as hospitals or nursing homes.

Senior citizens are vulnerable due to the number of prescriptions they use daily.

To help combat the problem, the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging created the Medication Management Awareness program in 2001.

This year, Chesterfield county is one of five counties, where funding will be available.

“This year the program is targeting rural counties in the state,” said David Lucas, representative of the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging.

The grants are available to any organization or community group with the amount of volunteers needed to do the work, Lucas said.

The awareness program focuses on two areas of importance. The first is outreach and education, and the second is the “Vials of Life” project.

“We are trying to show the importance of talking to seniors about keeping up with their medications,” Lucas said. “The older people become, the more important it is because most begin to use more medicines.”

The “Vials of Life” project uses a card for senior citizens that list exactly what medications are needed in cases of emergency. It is meant to help emergency personnel who may need to respond to an incapacitated senior.

“This is going to be a good way to keep accurate, up-to-date records when needed,” Lucas said.

The grant will also help local organizations inform senior citizens on the importance of keeping up with their medications.

The applications for the grants became available July 17, and the final deadline is September 8. To download the application, go to www.aging.sc.gov. For more information contact the project manager, Pamela Grant by phone at 803-734-9000 or 1-800-868-9095.