Published: January 12, 2009 08:00 am      

Clinic offers prescription assistance

Those Madison Countians who cannot afford doctor’s visits or their prescriptions now have a refuge in the community.

A long-time, non-profit organization has moved into Richmond City Hall and is open for business.

The Health, Now! clinic is now located on the first floor of city hall, and eventually will move to the basement area that formerly housed the Richmond Police Department.

The clinic offers a prescription assistance program for those without insurance.

“These are people who fall through the cracks,” said Peggy Hollingsworth, co-office manager for the Health, Now! clinic.

There are about 75 participants taking advantage so far, Hollingsworth said.

“We started inside the (Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center) in 2005 and share the space with five other practices,” she said. “In July 2007, we moved to 110 S. Collins St. Once we move there, we tripled our office visits per night.”

The assistance program helps patients locate free medication.

“It’s a collaborative effort between the patient, the physician and the pharmaceutical companies,” Hollingsworth said. “This is probably one of the best-kept secrets around.”

Funding for similar assistance programs could be more accessible by March because of an initiative by Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo announced in October the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP), an innovative initiative to utilize and coordinate existing assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

The program is to be coordinated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Physician recruitment and volunteer recruitment will occur during January and February, with the full launch of the program in March 2009.

The program will begin with a technology training and community organization process later this year. Initially, the program is expected to include approximately 90 counties, with more sites being added as CHFS works with communities, according to a news release from www.governor.ky.gov.

“It is vitally important that we provide all the assistance we can to Kentucky citizens who are unable to afford the prescription drugs they need, especially in these tough times,” Beshear said. “The new program will be an important step toward empowering and expanding community-based efforts to make it easier for Kentuckians who qualify to obtain free or reduced cost sources of prescription drugs that may prevent or manage illnesses, and even save lives.”

The Health, Now! clinic served 1,425 patients in 2008 while located at the S. Collins Street office, according to office manager Melba Hay.

Sheila Virgin, clinic director and nurse practitioner learned about the space at city hall from former Richmond City Commissioner Kay Cosby Jones.

“I approached (Richmond City Manager) David Evans,” Virgin said. “He was aware that we were interested in the facility and he’s been nothing but supportive since then. (Richmond Mayor) Connie (Lawson) and David have just been wonderful. It’s a great collaborative effort with the city of Richmond.”

Lawson said it was no problem at all to house the Health, Now! clinic inside City Hall.

“The point behind the thinking is that if we can help with the rent and utilities (for the clinic), then that’s that much more they put into the community. This helps the city to help their citizens.”

The clinic is located near the rear of Richmond City Hall, behind the city commissioner’s chambers.

Hours of operation are Tuesday and Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Virgin is at the clinic on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those seeking prescription assistance should bring a list or the actual medication bottles of what they are taking, Virgin said.

“They will get the application to fill out with a detailed information sheet that tells them everything they need to do,” she said.

Call 979-0948 to make an appointment to be seen by a nurse practitioner at the clinic. To make an appointment to speak with someone about the prescription assistance program, call 623-1000, Ext. 2003.

Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.