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February
3, 2006
Little
Rock --
It’s been said that Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst of times, but it also brought out some of the best of times in terms of Arkansas’ relief efforts. These efforts continue as the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services today is transporting a cache of donated pharmaceuticals from Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline to the Charitable Clinics Association. Clyde Frazier, Jr., P.D., Senior Pharmacist says, “We received large quantities of donated over-the-counter and prescription medications from these pharmaceutical companies during the hurricane aftermath. While we were able to use many of the supplies, we had much that was left over. The agency discussed at great length what to do and decided the best option would be to give them to the Charitable Clinics Association. There are 22 sites statewide, and they serve indigent and low-income citizens of Arkansas. We are grateful that these companies came to the aid of our neighbors affected by the hurricane and, additionally, will be coming to the aid of needy Arkansans.”
The prescription medications include antibiotics, antidepressants, asthma medications, anti-diabetic medications, antibiotic ointment, medications for migraine, ulcer medications, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure medications.
The over-the-counter (OTC) items include Rolaids, Listerine mouthwash, Listerine toothpaste, gauze, bandages, examination gloves, Tucks pads, ear thermometers, glucose monitors, triple antibiotic ointments, and assorted other OTC items manufactured or distributed by Pfizer.
The Arkansas Association of Charitable Clinics is a collaborative network designed to improve access to healthcare for the underserved citizens of Arkansas. Plans are for more than a dozen of the member clinics to receive the prescription medications for dispensing by their volunteer Pharmacists in compliance with state pharmacy law. The over-the-counter items will be distributed to all requesting member clinics.
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