Mobile pharmacy helps get free medicine to those in need

For some people, over-the-counter medications can be not only unaffordable, but also out of reach. 

That’s why NC MedAssist is helping hundreds of people in need get the medications they need to keep their families healthy. 

“I’ve seen firsthand with close people of mine what it’s like to not be able to afford health care or anything like that and to just struggle and not have the help that you should have as a community,” Haylee Hocutt, a volunteer with NC MedAssist, said.

NC MedAssist takes its mobile pharmacy to counties across North Carolina, holding over 50 events every year and serving around 700 people at each one. 

“It helps a lot for families that are low income,” Teresa Colon, a mother of three, said.

Colon gets to choose up to eight over-the-counter medications, that total around $150, for free. 

“I’ve got three children. Mostly, I get different medications for their ages, so it’s not only one that I have to get,” Colon said.

According to GoodRX, there are 25 counties in North Carolina that are considered “pharmacy deserts,” meaning residents have to drive over 15 minutes to reach a local pharmacy. 

Anita Boswell-Russell says that often times people in these communities are impoverished, so even if they lived closer to a pharmacy, they could not afford the medications anyway. 

“If they had a choice between buying food for their family, paying their rent, paying their light bill, they’re going to do that every time and not buy that over-the-counter medicine,” Boswell-Russell, with NC MedAssist, said.

NC MedAssist is not only breaking down barriers to health care but also helping moms like Colon feel confident and prepared ahead of flu season.

“For their colds or if they get fever, I have something already in store for them,” Colon said.