SVdP Pharmacies Help Patients Afford Urgently Needed Medications

“Seeing their renewed hope makes every day worth it.”

Low-income neighbors face difficult choices daily. Some have to decide between necessities like paying rent and feeding their families. Others forego important medications so they can afford that month’s transportation costs or utilities.

Raul, a married father of four, supports his family by working at a pizza restaurant. Unfortunately, his salary isn’t enough for the family to afford health insurance. When his doctor prescribed a new medication that would cost over $20,000 a year, Raul turned to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s North Texas pharmacy for assistance.

Thanks to gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, this charitable pharmacy is one of six across the U.S. providing free and deeply discounted medications so that vulnerable patients can live their healthiest life.

At the Dallas location, Vincentian volunteers and pharmacist Carlos Irula worked to help Raul with documents and other resources he needed to access coverage for his expensive prescriptions. “I was having trouble, but they showed me options and helped me along the way,” Raul said. “They were very patient, and we were able to get qualified.”

Irula says this SVdP pharmacy is busier than ever. “Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been filling over 400 prescriptions per week. There is definitely a greater need for assistance and medication during these unprecedented times.”

The volunteers, staff, and pharmacists dispense much more than just medicine. They offer peace of mind and a generous dose of hope as each neighbor feels welcomed and cared for.

“Hearing from patients how we’ve made a difference in their lives and their family’s lives — and seeing their renewed hope — makes every day worth it,” adds Irula.

“I cannot imagine what I would have done without the pharmacy’s help,” said Raul. “I can now worry about paying my bills on time and providing more groceries to my family. Everyone working there [is] a blessing and I cannot thank them enough.”