A new community pharmacy has opened its doors in Jackson, offering crucial support to residents struggling to afford their medications. The St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, operational for only a few weeks, is already serving individuals who face tough choices between essentials like food and utilities and their necessary prescriptions.
Sam Burke, Executive Director of the pharmacy, emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding this new service. “We’re happy to be here to provide that assistance,” Burke stated, highlighting the pharmacy’s outreach efforts to local social service entities.
To access the pharmacy’s services, prospective clients must qualify by contacting the pharmacy in advance. Patients must present a valid prescription, which can also be faxed directly by a doctor. Burke explained the qualification process, which include reviewing your income, expenses, and any insurance you may have, including Medicare or Medicaid, to determine eligibility. Essentially, if your expenses exceed your income, the pharmacy can likely assist you.
Contrary to common belief, the need for affordable medication spans all age groups. Many assume this issue primarily affects the elderly, but we’re seeing younger individuals in need as well.
The pharmacy provides medications free of charge, staffed entirely by volunteers, including licensed pharmacists. Last year, nearly 100 volunteers contributed approximately 15,000 hours of service, distributing over 30,000 prescriptions valued at $1.3 million.
The facility operates with donated resources, from computers provided by KLM Trucking to shelving acquired from a closing pharmacy in Meridian. The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy’s initiative allows unused medications from nursing homes to be redistributed through charity pharmacies, further supporting the community.
St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, located on the I-55 N Frontage Road, is one of three such facilities in Mississippi, alongside locations on the Gulf Coast and in Hattiesburg. The space is generously provided by St. Dominic Health.
While the pharmacy does not dispense narcotics, it caters to a wide range of prescriptions, including those for diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. With rising costs of living, many households are forced to prioritize other expenses over healthcare, often leading to adverse health outcomes.
New patients can have prescriptions filled every Thursday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. To determine eligibility, residents are encouraged to call 601-326-1717 before visiting the pharmacy.
