When you look at the photos we use in our newsletters, emails and other correspondence, do you ever wonder if these are really people who came to St. Vincent de Paul seeking assistance? In every instance, the answer is yes. The pictures of Carol, Russell and Darryl at the top of this page represent just a few of the thousands we have served at the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy.
Despite a difficult economy, our little pharmacy helps many people that have almost given up hope in having their prescriptions filled. We regularly hear stories of people who were breaking tablets in half and skipping doses of critical medications, and so often, this is the first time they have ever had to ask for help.
Carol, Russell and Darryl were willing to help us and allowed us to use their photos and stories in this letter, so we could stress the importance of our work. Many of the people we serve are embarrassed and reluctant to share their situation because they cannot afford their prescription medicine. Sadly, they do not have insurance or any type of government coverage, and nowhere to turn for help. Virtually everyone we serve suffers from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or other serious illnesses.
One story that I’ve never forgotten was told by a couple who came to us after a visit to the emergency room. They had both been prescribed the same high blood pressure medicine, but since they couldn’t afford both prescriptions, they had filled only one and were sharing it. This almost cost the husband his life. Thank goodness, we were there for them, so they never had to end up back in the emergency room because of a lack of medicine.
Our Community Pharmacy is a testament to the power of generous individuals like you. Because our pharmacy is here, no one in East Baton Rouge, or the other 11 civil parishes we serve, has to go without their medicine. Last year, we filled prescriptions of hope that saved lives. We filled prescriptions worth almost $800,000, and we want to fill even more this year. We also gave out much needed over-the-counter medicines such as: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, sinus medicine, and vitamins.
As the economy continues to struggle, we thank you for your past support, and we also ask you to consider helping us with the increased demand our pharmacy faces. WBRZ-Channel 2, Pat Shingleton, and the Baton Rouge Clinic have come together once again to help us get the word out about our pharmacy and the Fill a Prescription for the Needy campaign. You can help with this year’s effort in two ways.
First, if you know of someone who needs assistance with their prescription medications, please refer them to our pharmacy at (225) 383-7450. As we mentioned, many people are embarrassed to ask for assistance and sometimes need to be encouraged to seek help. No one should ever be ashamed to ask for a helping hand-up of hope.
Second, we ask you to help us financially. In this economy, any gift will make a difference. The prescriptions we fill are literally saving the lives of people in need. Please consider helping us to fill prescriptions of hope by giving a gift online (by clicking here). Whether you can afford to give at this time or not, please pray for the people we serve.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Michael J. Acaldo
President & CEO