WISE – The Health Wagon is surveying area residents in preparation of its new free pharmacy initiative. The St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy, once operational, will provide prescription medications to uninsured and underinsured people in The Health Wagon’s service region of Southwest Virginia, eastern Kentucky and parts of Tennessee.
“The opening of the pharmacy will mark a monumental step forward for our region’s health and well-being,” said Health Wagon Board of Trustees Chair and physician Dr. William Handy. “The scope of medical outreach is so extensive that (Health Wagon) operates more like a large Federally Qualified Health Center because it provides so many different types of healthcare services from a state of art dental clinic, diagnostic services, after-hours clinic, behavioral health, outreach, telehealth and two free stationary clinics in addition to mobile health services.
“ Handy said most FQHC’s do not include a pharmacy operation, adding that St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy will allow Health Wagon to provide patient access to essential medications. “This pharmacy will save lives daily and will be a lifeline for those that need it most,” Handy said.
Health Wagon Medical Director Dr. Joe Smiddy said the Faith Pharmacy will have an immediate impact on patients with lung problems. “Adults and children who cannot afford a $400 inhaler per month will miss school, work, be at risk for respiratory infections and hospitalizations,” said Smiddy.
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