MedAssist is dedicated to improving the quality of life for eligible Mecklenburg County residents by operating a licensed, non-profit pharmacy that provides free medication to low-income, uninsured residents. MedAssist also provides healthcare advocacy and educational resources for people of all ages. MedAssist began in 1997 through the efforts of the Mecklenburg Medical Society Alliance with the assistance of a $55,000 grant from the employees of Presbyterian Hospital.Today, MedAssist employs ten full and four part-time staff members, and coordinates the services of over 70 volunteers. In the past year, MedAssist has dispensed over $6 million in free prescription medicines for our clients. Most of the drugs are secured from the Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) available through participating pharmaceutical companies. Thus, MedAssist has saved the county $12 million in cost avoidance of healthcare this year alone. As a result of MedAssist's positive impact on the community, it has been named as one of the top 25 non-profit organizations in Charlotte by the Charlotte Business Journal.
Funding from individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as the countless hours donated by our volunteers allows MedAssist to continue to grow and to serve our community. MedAssist's volunteers and donors will play an increasingly significant role in the future as the need in Mecklenburg County continues to develop . By the year 2010, prescription costs are expected to soar an additional 72% (Families USA).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Frank McCree, R.Ph, Chair Mory Lowe, CPA
Claire Cotty, Vice Chair Rev. Carter Lofton, Ph.D.
Alicia Bowers, JD, Secretary Conley R. McCoy, R.Ph
Kenda Laughey, CPA, Treasurer Richard B. McKnight
Lori Giang, Executive Director Rev. Herbert Rhedrick, Jr.
Jessica Black C. Robert Ruppenthal, MD
Michael Gum, Pharm D Don Sanders, MSW
Emil "Jim" Kratt, JD Lisa C. Shapiro, Pharm D
Dalya Kutchei Mark G. Stephens, CMR
Kate Rigby Bill Walker
Marcus Laster
For more information, please call 704-536-1790