The Richmond County Pharmacy Assist Program collects and reports all data to NC MedAssist: Dispensing Hope for the Uninsured. The data is then aggregated and disseminated into an annual partner report. 

Reference

NC MedAssist. (2024, December 10). Our impact. https://medassist.org/

What is helping

1. FirstHealth Prevent Type 2 Diabetes program
2. Free chronic disease medication
3. New low-cost local gym
4. Local walking paths 

What is hurting
1. Consistent food desert conditions
2. The high cost of healthy foods as compared to fast foods or heavily processed foods
3. Lack of local chronic disease self-management programs
4. Lack of community parks and green spaces for children to play within walking distance — Richmond County has a population of 30-49% living within a half mile of a park, which is significantly lower than the State, with 73% having access to exercise opportunities (NC DHHS, 2020).  

Anticipated factors

1. Eat Smart, Move More NC is becoming a statewide movement promoting opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity wherever people live, learn, earn, play, and pray.
2. Obesity numbers in children are becoming prevalent enough to gain national and state attention as well as to families. 

Research needed/Data development needs

Hunger, food insecurity, and obesity can co-exist in the same individual, family, or community. Low-income individuals and families are particularly vulnerable to both food insecurity and obesity. While researchers continue to examine this
relationship, several reasons for this paradox have emerged:

Lack of access to affordable, healthy foods
Cycles of food deprivation and overeating
High levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
Fewer opportunities for physical activity
Greater exposure to marketing of obesity promoting products
Limited access to healthcare

Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina. (2020). North Carolina’s Plan to Address Overweight and Obesity. Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina, Raleigh, NC. www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com.

NC Office of Rural Health (ORH): This NC Department of Health and Human Services Agency department supports equitable access to health in rural and underserved communities through funding, training, and technical assistance. Website:  NC DHHS: Office of Rural Health
MedAssist: A statewide free pharmacy program that provides prescription medications to uninsured and low-income patients. Website:  Home - NC MedAssist - NC MedAssist
Richmond County Health Department: A public health service to the residents of Richmond County and all who attend clinics within its setting. These services are provided through monitoring, regulating, home visiting, educating, community organization, case management, and clinical services. Website: Health & Human Services | Richmond County, NC - Official Website (richmondnc.com)

Strategy: Community Care Clinic
Who: NC Office of Rural Health, MedAssist, and Richmond County Health Department
What: Richmond County Health Department will house the NC Office of Rural Health Community Care Clinic, which will provide medical care for the uninsured or underinsured with a medical provider for $25, including lab work and chronic care medication for free. There is no limit to the number of patients receiving help from this program.   
When: 1990 and ongoing 
How: Richmond County residents apply, and if they meet the eligibility requirements, such as residency, they can receive a 90-day supply with three refills. They cannot have Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or any prescription insurance and must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Our program is the answer for those who do not have the means to obtain life-saving medications to treat chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.