Durham Tech partners with NC MedAssist to provide free over-the-counter medicine to students

Durham, NC – NC MedAssist is partnering with Durham Technical Community College to provide students with free over-the-counter medicine. Such items include cough and cold medicine, vitamins, allergy medication, first aid supplies, etc. This partnership comes at a crucial time, when remaining healthy and stopping the spread of germs is more essential than ever.

“Due to the pandemic, we had to create a new and innovative way to continue serving the community. Rather than having one large, one-day event, we are hosting an over-the-counter medicine drop in partnership with Durham Technical Community College. We will bringing close to $100,000 worth of OTC medicine to the college to be distributed to students as they need it,” said Sheila Kidwell, Director of Foundations and Communication. “We understand there is a pressing need, especially with the cold and flu season right around the corner. Our goal in this partnership is to improve the health of the community, one student at a time.”

Unlike the regular Mobile Free Pharmacy event which takes place over a five-hour timeframe, the OTC Drop allows safety-net organizations to continue to serve the community over a longer span of time. Some organizations will receive pre-made bags with OTC items specific to the individuals they serve, and others will receive large boxes of sorted medicine.

“The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated many of the challenges our students face in meeting their basic needs while pursuing their academic and career goals. We value a learning environment where all students can succeed; that value in action, for Durham Tech, includes tending to students’ basic needs. And in this moment, the health of our students and their families is central,” said Dr. Christine Kelly-Kleese, Vice President for Student Engagement, Development, and Support at Durham Tech. “Through our new partnership with NC MedAssist, we will be able to provide over-the-counter medications and supplies to our students and their families. Every week, Durham Tech students have the opportunity to pick up bags of groceries, fresh produce, frozen family meals, and hygiene products through a curbside pickup. Thankfully, this will now extend to include these healthcare resources.”

NC MedAssist is a statewide non-profit pharmacy, founded in 1997. The organization provides free prescription medication to all low-income, uninsured North Carolinians who qualify for their Free Pharmacy Program. NC MedAssist offers three programs that address the needs of children and adults: the Free Pharmacy Program (for prescription medication), the Mobile Free Pharmacy Program (for over-the-counter medicine), and the Transitional Jobs Program (for individuals with barriers to employment).

Last year, NC MedAssist distributed $74.4 million worth of prescription and over-the-counter medicine to NC residents across the state. Learn more about NC MedAssist right now at www.medassist.org. You can also visit their Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact them to find out how you can help.




FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sheila Kidwell
Director of Foundations & Communications
NC MedAssist
704.350.3567 (work)
skidwell@medassist.org

Nathan Hardin
Director, Marketing & Communications
Durham Technical Community College
919.998.9616
hardinn@durhamtech.edu