FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2005

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, February 24, 2005 - San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies (CES) has received a $10,000 grant from the San Diego County Cable Television and Telecommunications Review Commission for the production of a video titled "Wise Prescription Choices for Senior Citizens."

The video will give viewers sound advice and solid facts so that they can make informed choices about prescriptions. Issues affecting seniors will be emphasized, but information that applies to all age groups will also be included.

This production will occur through collaboration among CES, the Department of Educational Technology at SDSU, and the San Diego County Office of Aging and Independent Services (AIS). Graduate students enrolled in EdTEC 561 Advanced Web-Based Multimedia Development during the spring 2005 term will provide the technical and design expertise necessary to produce a high-quality and appealing product.

"There is no other topic that is as important and timely to seniors than prescription drugs," said William E. Byxbee, CES dean. "You need only look at the front pages of all of our national newspapers to understand the concern and confusion that is generated by this topic. This grant will enable us to approach the topic with professional clarity and up-to-date information."

Topics to be considered include:

• Medicare discount card programs
• The right questions to ask your pharmacist and medical practitioner
• Generic drugs vs. brand name drugs
• Manufacturer-based discount programs
• Pill splitting - advantages and risks
• The Medicare program scheduled to begin in 2006

Professor Robert P. Hoffman, Ph.D., and Gerry Graf, Ph.D., will supervise the students' work. Hoffman is the professor of the course and is listed as the director of the video production; Graf is a renowned pharmacist with television experience and will be assigned various roles in all phases of production, most notably as the host throughout the segments. He is a member of the Health Promotions Committee for AIS.

Cindy C. Emmans, Ed.D., grants director for CES, is the producer and will provide overall coordination of the project. She will manage the people and the schedule, and ensure that the video is produced and submitted according to the guidelines of the county.

"The premise is that many prescribers know little about the cost of drugs and take little time in trying to save money while maintaining therapy," Emmans said. "Related to this is the fact that pharmacies are trying to make money, while patients are trying to save money. This video will provide valuable information to consumers."

Teams of graduate students will work closely along with Hoffman, Graf, and personnel from AIS on this project. AIS will assist with content development; specifically the areas of prescription choices that are of concern to seniors. It will also provide on-location interviews with seniors, and other assistance appropriate to this theme.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 30 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 594-5152 or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.