A local program which provides free medications to help those without health insurance is expanding. The Faith Community Pharmacy, part of the Society at Saint Vincent Depaul, has a new pilot program for those who are critically ill.
Local 12 Medical Reporter Liz Bonis explains how it works in tonight's Medical Edge.
Cecilia Ellison has had a tough time maintaining good health, following a recent job loss.
Cecelia Ellison, Faith Community Pharmacy Customer: "I was in nursing for 13 years, for hospice, you lose your job, you lose your insurance, it's pretty hard."
Especially, because every day she needs multiple medications.
"I have thyroid problems, so have had synthroid for years, diabetes, chronic back pain, all sorts of things."
Fortunately, Ellison has been able to get these medications free of charge at Faith Community Pharmacy, part of the Society of Saint Vincent Depaul.
Rosana Aydt, Faith Community Pharmacy Director: "Our clients have to be residents of the Diocese of Covington, that's 14 counties over here, have no prescription insurance, we do make an exception for medicare D, and meet our income guidelines."
Patients who meet this criteria can simply pick up medications at a pharmacy, like one in Crescent Springs. But now, thanks to a new breakthrough pilot program, medications won't just be dispensed here at the pharmacy, they'll actually be sort of delivered to, perhaps, where they need them most, in the hospital, before they go home. As part of the program, which is grant funded by the Health Foundation, those admitted to Saint Elizabeth Medical Center who need pharmacy assistance can be referred to Faith Community.
"I see them when they are admitted, hopefully, work them up and then follow them and before they are discharged, I take medications back to them and then set them up for follow up either here or at the main location, or one of the outreach locations."
The goal is to reduce the odds these patients will be re-admitted to the hospital, because they don't have the medications needed to keep them well at home.
For more information on this pilot program or free medications you can call 859-426-7837.
