Lawrence Countians who want to participate in the Caremark prescription drug discount program endorsed earlier this year by the Lawrence County Commission will have a shorter wait to do so than previously anticipated.

Lawrence County Commissioner Les Boggs said Thursday the drug card program should be operational by Sept. 15 — two weeks sooner than initially expected. Boggs said he hopes to place cards not only at the courthouse but in libraries, with pastors of local churches and other places where they can be readily available to area residents.

“I’m anxious to get started. We’ve already got the cards in and the marketing materials,” Boggs said.

While the aim of the program is to help people who have no prescription plan at all, the card is available to all area residents. It is free. Boggs said the average savings is between 22 and 23 percent. The cost of the program is paid by participating pharmacies.

Also Thursday, Lawrence County Clerk of Courts Mike Patterson said Capital Recovery has forwarded to his office $7,000 of the $122,000 in unpaid court costs.

Patterson said those who have gotten such a bill and have questions may call or visit his office and inquire about why they owe the bill. He said statements mailed by Capital Recovery have the court case number on them.

“A lot of people are afraid of this going to their credit,” Patterson said. “It’s not going to their credit even though this is a collection agency.”