Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • November 29, 2019 10 St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy Providing medicine to people in our community who cannot afford it My Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord: St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy works to fill a tremendous gap in healthcare each day by providing lifesaving medication to those who cannot afford it. In 2018, the SVDPRX provided or secured mediation for 765 clients in South Ms. The total number of prescriptions filled by the Pharmacy’s locations was 31,400. The value of the medication dispensed was $1.7M. The Pharmacy expects to fill 32,000 in 2019. The SVDP Community Pharmacy is operated largely by dedicated volunteers. Last year, over 130 volunteers, putting in 18,00 volunteer hours, served in different capacities including: Intake screeners, pharmacy technicians, pharmacists and social workers. In addition, there is a paid full-time executive director, one full-time case manager, and one part-time administrative assistant. The SVDP Community Pharmacy operates two permitted Pharmacies, Biloxi and Hattiesburg. In addition to the permitted facilities, the Pharmacy operates extension sites in Moss Point and Bay St. Louis. Multiple locations across South MS allows the Pharmacy to better serve those in need throughout the Diocese. In recent years our Community Pharmacy pioneered a change in the State of Mississippi’s Pharmacy’s Practices Act that now allows unused medicine from nursing homes to be donated to licensed charity pharmacies. This proactive step allows the SVDP Pharmacy to secure larger volumes of donated medicines which will allow the program to thrive as demand continues to increase. This policy change would not have happened without the positive reputation our Community Pharmacy has in the state. The Diocese of Biloxi’s special second collection for the SVDP Community Pharmacy, which will be taken up the weekend of December 1 and 2, provides an excellent opportunity for each of us to assist in this ongoing work of charity to serve the poor. Because the pharmacy is primarily staffed by volunteers, 93% of every contributed dollar goes directly into the provision of program services. I ask the parishioners of our diocese to support this noble cause and I pray that you will be abundantly blessed for your charitable effort to help the poor. With prayerful good wishes, I remain Sincerely yours in the Lord, Most Reverend Louis F. Kihneman, III Bishop of Biloxi DIOCESE OF BILOXI OFFICE OF THE BISHOP 1790 POPPS FERRY ROAD BILOXI, MS 39532-2118 PHONE: (228) 702-2111 FAX: (228) 702-2139 MOST REVEREND LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN, III BISHOP OF BILOXI SVDP Letter 2019.indd 1 11/14/2019 2:25:16 PM Diocesan-wide Second Collection November 30, December 1 Please be generous in your parish collection, or mail contributions to: SVDP Pharmacy, c/o Diocese of Biloxi 1790 Popps Ferry Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532 - The St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy is a non-profit agency with an innovative approach to filling the gap in health care services. - In 2018, the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy provided or secured mediation for 765 clients in South Ms. The total number of prescriptions filled by the Pharmacy’s locations was 31,400. The value of the medication dispensed was $1.7M. The Pharmacy expects to fill 32,000 in 2019. - Over 130 Volunteers help operate the Pharmacy. Volunteers serve as Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Eligibility Screeners, Case Managers, and Reception. In addition, there is a paid full-time & one part-time Case Managers, and one part- time Administrative Assistant. - The SVDP Community Pharmacy operates two permitted Pharmacies, Biloxi and Hattiesburg. In addition to the permitted facilities, the Pharmacy operates extension sites in Moss Point and Bay St. Louis. Multiple locations across South MS allows the Pharmacy to better serve those in need throughout the Diocese. - All services and medicine provided at no charge. - The pharmacy also serves as a referral network connecting people to other supportive resources. - Some of the Pharmacy’s supply comes from donated samples and unused medicine from nursing homes, but majority of medicines are purchased. Funding for the program of work comes from private donations, special events, and grants. - Only service of its kind in South Mississippi... - For more information, visit: www.svdprx.org