Robbinsville – A sense of belonging is important to every human being – regardless of sex, social status or background.
In a culture where many are faced with the choice of buying food for their family or needed medication, it is vital that people can rest assured they matter enough that they will not have to make such a choice.
That is where the North Carolina MedAssist Program steps in.
On Friday, the Graham County Department of Public Health sponsored a MedAssist Fair, providing free over-the-counter medicine to everyone who attended. Items such as allergy, cough and cold medicines, pain relief, vitamins and reading glasses were given to participants.
MedAssist began in 1997 in Mecklenburg County, through the efforts of the Mecklenburg Medical Society Alliance and employees of Presbyterian Hospital. Last year, the program dispensed over $70 million in medicines.
According to its website, the vision of MedAssist is to dispense opportunities through improved health, to ensure that no eligible person in the state of North Carolina must choose between feeding their family and buying needed medicine.
The fair is a yearly event and has a positive impact on the community. Residents were also given the opportunity to sign up through a program to help assist the cost of medication.
“We are thrilled at the turnout," said county health director Donna Stephens. "Our goal was achieved to reach such a large number of residents of our community. We are so pleased with the number of participants this year.
“We hope that our staff, volunteers, board members, program participants and all other stakeholders feel the respect and support we have for them.”