Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • November 22, 2024 23 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, In the current economic environment, more and more families are being faced with difficult decisions. Many who have not needed help in the past now find themselves choosing between food for dinner or their medicine. 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. Our 60 plus volunteers worked over 15,000 hours last year. They serve in a multitude of capacities, including: Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, eligibility screeners, front office administration, and inventory specialists. In addition, there is a paid full-time executive director, one full-time case manager, and one part- time case manager. St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy is now filling medicine in support of the Mercy Cross Center. The Diocese of Biloxi’s special second collection for the SVDP Community Pharmacy, which will be taken up the weekend of December 7 and 8, 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. Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III Bishop of the Diocese 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 Diocesan-wide Second Collection November 23 & 24 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 2023, the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy provided or secured mediation for 608 clients in South MS. The total number of prescriptions filled by the Pharmacy’s locations was 29,300. The value of the medication dispensed was $1.1M. - Over 60 volunteers help operate the Pharmacy. Volunteers serve as Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Eligibility Screeners, Case Managers, and Reception. In addition, we have one full-time Director, one full-time Case Manager, and one part- time Social Worker. - The SVDP Community Pharmacy operates two permitted Pharmacies, Biloxi and Hattiesburg. 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