North Coast Health Ministry Call For Volunteers: Patient Prescription Assistance

In 2011, North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM) dispensed $3.9 million worth of prescription medication at no charge to its patients. NCHM, a faith-based free clinic located in Lakewood, provides prescription assistance as well as primary care, specialty referrals and behavioral health counseling to the low-income uninsured in Western Greater Cleveland.

Keeping up with the volume of labor to meet the growing need for prescription assistance has become a challenge. The organization is actively recruiting volunteers to help patients and staff with prescription assistance applications which are then submitted to participating pharmaceutical manufacturers. No clinical background is required. All that is required is a willingness to help individuals in need, attention to detail and a commitment of at least six months to a regular weekly or monthly schedule.

“We couldn’t serve all those who come to us in need without the contributions of our many valuable volunteers,” says NCHM Executive Director Lee Elmore. “Our prescription assistance program is critical to the care we provide. The majority of our patients have chronic disease, and our ability to provide them with free or low-cost medication is indispensable to keeping them healthy and out of the hospital.”

Individuals interested in volunteering should contact Mary Ludwig at 216-228-7878 ext. 122 or via e-mail at mludwig@nchealthministry.org.

About North Coast Health Ministry

North Coast Health Ministry is a faith-based free clinic serving the low-income uninsured on Greater Cleveland’s West Side. In 2012, NCHM provided care to 2,700 patients who had no other route to health care. With the support of 140 volunteer physicians, nurses and other caregivers, NCHM is able to provide primary health care, specialty referrals, prescription assistance, behavioral health care and social service referrals to the medically underserved. NCHM strives to be the medical home for its patients providing preventive care and chronic disease management as well as care for acute illnesses and injuries. Founded in 1986, North Coast Health Ministry is a vital part of the health care safety net on Greater Cleveland’s West Side. NCHM’s primary location is at 16110 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio.