Union County, NC
HealthQuest of Union County honored its volunteers Thursday for outstanding service to the non-profit prescription assistance program.
Howard Wilkins was named Volunteer of the Year for his behind-the-scenes effort in preparing for the weekly distribution to clients. The 86-year-old Wilkins has volunteered at HealthQuest for three years, initially working one day a week, now volunteering four days a week.
“He is indispensable,”
said Breanne Marshburn, executive director. Each day, Wilkins separates and labels hundreds of prescriptions received weekly from pharmaceutical manufacturers. “Having him here is like having another employee,” Marshburn said. “He even calls to see if he can take a day off.”
The Union County Department of Social Service was named Friend of HealthQuest for facilitating the eligibility process for clients.
“Approximately 35 percent of our referrals come through DSS,” Marshburn explained. “The staff makes our clients’ admissions easier.”
HealthQuest clients are residents who are without prescription insurance and unable to purchase their maintenance medications. Because DSS administers Medicaid for the county, its staff knows which applicants are eligible for HealthQuest prescription assistance. In accepting the award, Dontae Latson, Director of DSS, commended HealthQuest for its service to low income citizens. “HealthQuest is a testament to the community. I don’t know how we could do it without you,” he said.
Latson pledged to further strengthen the relationship between the agencies.
HealthQuest was created in 1999 to help residents remain healthy by providing maintenance medicines. Clients fall between the healthcare cracks – having too much income to qualify for prescription-paying Medicaid, but without prescription insurance or the income to pay.
In its 10 years, HealthQuest has dispensed more than 312,000 prescriptions with a retail value exceeding $29 million. Clients receive an average of four prescriptions each month with a retail value of $482.
For more information about HealthQuest or to be screened for eligibility, call (704) 226-2050.
Copyright 2009 monroescoop.com Union County, NC
