NC MedAssist is coming to Henderson at the end of the month and is giving away free over-the-counter medication. The event will take place at the Salvation Army, 2292 Ross Mill Road, on April 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to information from Sheila Kidwell, NC MedAssist’s director of foundations and communications.
Triangle North Healthcare Foundation of Vance County is partnering with the Charlotte-based organization to host the giveaway, which is open to people 18 years or older. Some of the medicines that will be distributed include cough and cold medicine, vitamins, allergy medication and first-aid supplies. No identification is required; however, all participants must wear facemasks.
This is a drive-thru service only – all participants will remain in their vehicles and volunteers will deliver their medicines. Participants are highly encouraged to preorder their over-the-counter medicine online at https://medassist.org/mobile/ and select Vance County.
Online ordering will be closed two days prior to the event. Anyone NOT able to order online should come as early as possible on April 30, Kidwell said, because the medicines will be given out on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
“Due to the pandemic, we had to create a new and innovative way to continue serving the community. We will be bringing close to $100,000 worth of OTC medicine to the event to be distributed to those most in need in our community,” Kidwell said. “We understand there is a pressing need, especially in the midst of allergy season. Our goal in this partnership with Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is to improve the health of the community, one family at a time.”
If you can volunteer to help on April 30, please sign up at www.medassist.org/volunteer.
The medicine distribution depends on volunteers to ensure things run smoothly, Kidwell said. Community volunteers will help with pharmacy consultations, as well as sorting medicines and collecting medicines for clients.
All participants will receive information on NC MedAssist’s Free Pharmacy Program, which mails free prescription medications directly to a patient’s home. NC MedAssist’s overall goal is to help ease the burden for those in need; it is aiding people who are making the choice between buying food and purchasing life-saving medication, Kidwell stated.
NC MedAssist is a statewide non-profit pharmacy that was founded in 1997. The organization provides free prescription medication to all low-income, uninsured North Carolinians who qualify for their Free Pharmacy Program. NC MedAssist offers three programs that address the needs of children and adults: The Free Pharmacy Program (for prescription medication), the Mobile Free Pharmacy Program (for over-the-counter medicine), and the Transitional Jobs Program (for individuals with barriers to employment). Last year, NC MedAssist distributed $76 million worth of prescription and over-the-counter medicine to NC residents across the state. Learn more about NC MedAssist right now at www.medassist.org. You can also visit their Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact them to find out how you can help.
