ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Van Mitchell, chair of the new Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, will lead a Howard County community senior forum about rising drug costs, the first of a series of events around the state to hear from the public about the burden of paying for their medications.

U.S. Representative John Sarbanes, Harford County Executive Barry Glassman and Maryland AARP official Tammy Bresnahan will also take part in the event to be held at noon at Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road.

"It is unacceptable for Howard County residents having to choose between paying for their prescription drugs or buying groceries. Our residents deserve better and we are doing everything in our power to lower prescription drug costs," Ball said in a statement.