Grant to support VIM Clinic’s pharmacy mail prescriptions
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics approved a grant of $15,000 made possible through the generosity of Direct Relief. This funding will support the VIM charitable pharmacy prescriptions-by-mail program, in addition to staff salaries to keep the clinic functioning and to keep volunteer providers active.
One week into VIM's Telehealth program, the clinic transitioned to mailing medications, Patients were struggling with transportation and worried about social distancing. Our volunteer pharmacists were reluctant to work in the clinic because they are in the high-risk category for COVID-19.
Mailing medications means our part-time pharmacy director can fill and prepare mailings when his schedule allows, and patients save the time and expense of driving to the clinic.
Education takes place over the phone, with a three-way call including the patient, pharmacist and interpreter. We are shipping 90-day supplies to further decrease refill demand.
NAFC
Mission: To ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality health care.
Twitter: @nafclinics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAFCClinics/
Instagram: @nafclinics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-free-clinics
Direct Relief
Mission: Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Twitter: @DirectRelief
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirectRelief/
Instagram: @directrelief
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/directrelief/
About Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades
Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades (VIM) is a nonprofit clinic in Bend that provides free medical care to low-income, uninsured adults from working families in Central Oregon. Our mission is “to improve the health and wellness of the medically uninsured or critically underserved through the engagement of professionals, community partners, and dedicated volunteers.” VIM is the only clinic in Central Oregon that cares for the uninsured without charge. Patients receive primary and specialty medical care, medications, mental health care, surgery, physical therapy, lab work, medical tests, and education programs. All care is provided through medical and support volunteers.
