I had said earlier that I was going to focus on national charities whenever possible. But I want to feature my home state today and a charity that is very near and dear to my wife and her work.
So take it away, Jan.
As a social worker in healthcare, I could not do my job without NC MedAssist! Over the years I've worked with them to enroll patients, they have provided around $1 million worth of medications each year to my patients for free. And that's just my little clinic. Across the state, they provide more than $60 million of medications every year.
From www.medassist.org :
Our Vision
NC MedAssist seeks to ensure that no eligible person in North Carolina has to choose between purchasing food or their needed medication; improving the patient’s health and lowering uncompensated health care costs for all stakeholders.
They are also a versatile organization, watching the needs of the state and pivoting as needed, such as their response to the disaster in Western NC due to Hurricane Helene.
So, who qualifies? NC residents who do not have insurance (and in some cases, those with Medicare who are in the "donut hole"), whose income is below 300% of the federal poverty limit. So, for a household of one, the income must be at or below $46,950. Once enrolled, the medical provider sends the patient's prescriptions to NC MedAssist like to any other pharmacy, and NC MedAssist mails the patient the meds for free. Insulin, inhalers and blood thinners are just some of the many live sustaining meds on their formulary.
And if that wasn't enough, they also travel around the state conducting Mobile Free Pharmacy events. These events are open to anyone, regardless of insurance or income. At these events, you can order in advance or just show up on the day of and get a variety of over the counter meds and supplies for free. Pain killers, bandaids, reading glasses, vitamins and cold meds and much, much more are sorted and handed out by teams of volunteers. If you live in NC, check their website for an event near you!
This amazing program, which has impacted (and even saved) countless lives, was started in 1997 from just a $55,000 grant. So as you consider your end of year giving, please consider NC MedAssist! We need them in this state!
Today's Advent song present for you today is one of my bride's favorite Christmas tunes. It might just be her favorite. It's from the boy band NSYNC. From 1998, here's Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!
NJoy!
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