Of all the blessings in life, most people would agree that good health is so important. Volunteers at our St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy never take good health for granted. They are reminded of this every day when they see people who are suffering and can’t afford the medicines they desperately need.
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that the government is providing for everyone’s healthcare needs, but our pharmacy staff and volunteers know very well that this is not always the case. We see people who have lost their jobs because of poor health and can no longer afford their medicine; those who work two jobs, and have no coverage because they make a little too much to be eligible for Medicaid; and even people on Medicare who have exceeded the limits for prescription medicine.
We see people like Cheryl, shown in the photograph, who lost her job and insurance due to a disability. She just started a new job with insurance, but it doesn’t start until after a month on the job. It’s hard to imagine the anxiety she felt, not only about her health, but also the fact that she couldn’t afford the medicine she desperately needs. We were able to fill all of her prescriptions.
Another patient, Kevin, is a carpenter by trade, and up to recently, has never had to take medicine. However, he ended up in the hospital. He has worked all his life, but didn’t have insurance. Fortunately, we were here to fill the medicine he needed, so he can stay healthy.
Brian, had a heart attack about 2 years ago, and was unable to work. He applied for disability and has been approved, but when he came to us the benefits had not yet started. He desperately needed several life-sustaining medicines. He left our pharmacy with a smile on his face (behind the mask) with a renewed hope in his heart.
Every time we fill a prescription, we are giving someone in need hope for a better future. The medicines we provide improve the quality of life for people and, for many, we are literally saving their lives. Fill a Prescription for the Needy is all about saving lives, and that’s why WBRZ-Channel 2, Pat Shingleton, and the Baton Rouge Clinic have come together to make this work possible.
We ask you to join in this year’s effort. First, if you know of someone who needs assistance with their prescription medications, please refer them to our pharmacy at (225) 383-7450. 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.
Second, consider helping us to save a life by making a gift. A typical prescription costs our pharmacy about $30.00, and your gift will help with the purchase of critically needed medicines. You can fill prescriptions of life by giving a gift by pressing here.
Whether you can afford to give at this time or not, please pray for Cheryl, Brian, Kevin, and all of the people we serve. The prescriptions we fill are literally saving the lives of people in need.
We thank you for your past support, and we hope you and your family have an Easter Season filled with blessings.