With healthcare cost higher than ever, more and more people are finding themselves unable to pay for their prescription medicines.
The St. Vincent De Paul Pharmacy works to help those finding themselves in this difficult situation. The pharmacy holds the annual St. Patrick's Day fundraiser at Enoch's Irish Pub this Thursday, March 17th.
"We wanted to raise money for a charity and we couldn't think of a better one, and we've been honored to be involved with these folks for going on 11 years now," says Doyle Jeter of Enoch's Irish Pub. The well-attended event has become a staple of the Monroe social calendar, and features traditional Irish music and revelry.
Founded 17 years ago, the St. Vincent De Paul Pharmacy utilizes both donated medicine and access to a large "buying pool" to obtain prescriptions many find difficult to afford. Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the pharmacy only carries life sustaining medicines, and is able to offer most of its clients their medications for free.
"Its a community-wide effort. 97% of all people who come qualify for -- and get free medicine," says JoAnn Crone from the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Through its extensive network of volunteers the Society is able to utilize $10 of resources for every dollar donated. Over the years, the scope of the pharmacy's mission has changed.
"When we first started it was older seniors. Now it's the working poor, its people who are having trouble, low-incomes, and they can't afford their prescription medicine. They have to make a choice every day between food and medicine, and so we try to provide the medicine so they can buy the food and the other things they need," explains Crone.
The event features raffles and donations are appreciated. For information about the St. Vincent De Paul Pharmacy at 502 Grammont Street in Monroe, call 387-7868.
