During the Spring of 2001, Roger Akers, a professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, gave one of his graduate classes a research assignment to find out if there was any prescription assistance available for low-income people. The project resulted in the creation of the prescription assistance program known as Community Rx Help. He gathered together a group of concerned citizens, including the hospital administrators from the Medical Center and Memorial Hospital, to form a board of directors. During this time period the program was funded by a personal loan and many donations from the community. A program director was hired and in October 2021, Community Rx Help was recognized as a 501(c)(3), tax exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. After non-profit status was obtained, Community Rx Help was eligible to apply for United Way funds and has been receiving funds from United Way and other charitable organizations since 2002 – 2003.