The Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to The Natick Visiting Nurses Association to support the MetroWest Meds Program.

Based in Natick, The Visiting Nurses Association provides vitally important home health care services to people throughout MetroWest, according to a statement.

"The Natick VNA is very grateful for this generous gift from Framingham Co-operative Bank, in support of our MetroWest Meds Program," said CEO Judith Boyko. "Providing financial assistance to people, to pay for their medications, also helps to ensure that they are able to take their medicines as prescribed."

"The demands on our program have grown considerably due to the economic crisis and your help will allow us to address this increased need," said MetroWest Meds Program Director Susan Moriarty. "Currently, 58 percent of our clients come from Framingham and this assistance will ensure that they are able to fill their prescriptions as their doctor has prescribed them, avoiding more costly medical care in the future."