A nonprofit opened a community pharmacy in DeKalb County this week to help low-income groups get access to prescription medication.
St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, a charity that works to help the homeless and impoverished, opened the Charitable Community Pharmacy on Monday, according to a news release. The organization said it will provide maintenance medications for people who are unable to afford them.
The volunteer-run pharmacy, located at 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, plans to stock medications to address diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and mental health conditions. It’ll also have medications for chronic conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD.
A part-time pharmacist will be on staff to help screen clients for eligibility, make referrals and ship medications.
“Our charitable pharmacy fills a critical need for medication access for Georgians who are struggling to afford life-saving prescription drugs,” Pat McNulty, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, said in the release. “Georgians wanting service do not have to be poor by federal poverty standards to get help from the pharmacy.”
To qualify, a client’s annual income must be no greater than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. That means a family of four must not earn more than $52,400 annually to use the pharmacy. The pharmacy will also serve uninsured adults who live in Georgia and anyone with a valid prescription. More information on eligibility is available at www.svdpgeorgia.org/pharmacy.
“Many of our neighbors are making the hard choice between paying for their medication and paying their rent,” Nicole Harris, chief programs officer at St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, said. “This pharmacy will help allow income to be used for other necessities, while keeping them safe and healthy.”
In addition to the pharmacy, St. Vincent de Paul Georgia has helped multiple DeKalb cities with rent assistance programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A partnership with the City of Stone Mountain is still accepting applications.
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