Music for Medicine Saturday, August 4th,
Benefit For Hunger Coalition Helps Fund Pharmacy Services

Sherrie Norris

During the month of June, 735 basically free prescriptions valued at $130,196.56 were filled at The Health and Hunger Coalition’s 141 Pharmacy in Boone. During that same time period, five local physicians donated samples worth nearly $33,000. Those numbers represent just one small reason why the upcoming Third Annual Music for Medicine fundraiser is vital to the continued services offered through this local non-profit agency.

Assistant Director Crystal Winebarger tells us that the rising costs of medications often force people to make choices between taking needed medications and paying for other necessities, such as food or utilities. Insurance is often not available or affordable, so people simply remain uninsured, therefore, unable to purchase life-sustaining medications.

On Saturday, August 4, the parking lot of the Coalition, located at 141 Health Center Drive off Bamboo Road in Boone, will take on a festive atmosphere as staff, volunteers, board members, area musicians and supporters of this organization gather for the Third Annual Music for Medicine to help with pharmaceutical costs and decrease some of the concerns faced by area residents who fall through the cracks. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ending around 7:00 pm, an exciting line-up of musicians will keep the crowd entertained and will include such well-known performers as Becca Eggers-Gryder and friends, The George Wilson Band, Wee Hutty Mud Puppies Band and possibly others. Mouth-watering BBQ will be served along with complimentary beverages provided by Coca-Cola. Volunteers are needed to supply dessert as well as donations for the Kid’s Cake Walk. These items may be dropped off at the HCC office on Thursday or Friday prior to the event or delivered on that day.

This is one of the largest fundraisers hosted each year by the HHC, with 100% of the money raised going toward the Pharmacy program. It will be held rain or shine. The cost of this event is $8.00 for adults, children 8 and under are admitted free. Last year’s Music for Medication raised approximately $5800.

Since 1995, the Hunger and Health Coalition has offered prescription medications to eligible clients, continuing to grow with the demand for services. Today, the 141 Pharmacy averages over 1000 prescriptions per month. In order to qualify for the services of the 141 Pharmacy, a family’s income must not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, based on family size, which we are told, is not a difficult criteria to meet for many area residents. Clients are required to provide proof of income once each year. Additional information and other guidelines are available through the HCC office.

Winebarger expresses her appreciation to the local medical community through which many free samples are donated each month. “It really helps with our already low-budget since many of the medications our clients are prescribed are quite expensive.” The pharmacy dispenses mostly those for chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. “We do not stock or dispense any narcotics whatsoever,” she emphasizes, clarifying that prescriptions from physicians are required either written, called or faxed into their office from their physician’s office.”

While known as a “free pharmacy,” the agency began charging a $1 co-pay for each prescriptions in 2005 to help off-set some of the cost.

Currently, there is one paid pharmacist, one volunteer pharmacist who helped open and get the service up and running, and one pharmacy technician who helps keep it going. “We depend highly upon the professional medical staff and volunteers from our community as well as the generosity of our friends,” Winebarger adds.

While dispensing medication is the primary purpose of the pharmacy, Winebarger concludes, “We try hard to keep people healthy by offering other services as we can, including frequent blood pressure checks by a registered nurse, participation in breast cancer awareness, etc.’ The staff dispenses water-proof shower tags in both English and Spanish with instructions for proper self-breast examinations.

The HHC serves low-income, uninsured residents of Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties and is a partnering agency of High Country United Way. For more information about the agency, Music for Medicine or other available services, call (828) 262-1628, send an e-mail to hungerc@bellsouth.net or visit online at www.hungercoalition.com.

Tax deductible donations may be mailed to HCC, 141 Health Center Drive Boone NC 29607.