Thus far the progress of our project at Matthew 25 have been quite undefined and lacking in specific goals. There have been 3 general projects that Matthew 25 would like us to look into. First is reassessing the current drug formulary, updating it, adding patient counseling info, and looking for disparities in drug ordering (whether that be high cost drugs, lacking PAPs, etc.). That leads to the second project which is to identify the losses in drug assistance that used to be provided before the initiation of the ACA. Along those lines we are also looking at the best drug distributors to order from, fundraising programs, and more PAPs. Lastly the organization we be looking to update there facilities in the near future and would like us to identify the needs for a patient counseling room (size of space, supplies, patient info, etc.). These are all great projects that will help Matthew 25 to continue and better serve the community of the underserved and uninsured. However it has been difficult to get information we need to start and complete these projects. We are seeing some of the red tap that volunteers face, especially when they are new to an organization. Administrators and staff are busy with day to day activities, roles are constantly changing (who orders medications/supplies, who is in charge of finding PAPs, who is in charge of the formulary) and knowing who to contact and who is most directly involved with each project within Matthew 25 has been difficult (more so time consuming). We currently are setting up meetings the physicians, PAs, those in charge of drug ordering, and Dr. McCafferty so that we can get some more concrete goals to achieve and find the resources to do so. This is where we find another difficulty. Volunteers have other jobs, most have other services that they help with as well, and lives outside of Matthew 25. So finding a time to meet can be difficult. I am optimistic that when we do have these meetings we will get the ball rolling and really make some head way in helping out this organization.
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We have a rough idea of what our site needs, but we are currently brainstorming how to make things happen. Matt and I are currently working on two potential projects. First, the clinic is in need of an updated formulary document that includes patient assistance programs available for certain medications and education points. Secondly, we are trying to find ways to bring additional donated money and/or medications into the clinic. It has been interesting thus far to learn how a non-profit deals with financial challenges as well as learning more about their process. In the coming week we plan to meet with Dr. Isbister as well as additional staff including nurses, nurse practitioners, and technicians in order to determine how to best move forward in order to fulfill their needs. It is important to me that my experience at Matthew 25 is not only beneficial to me, but also to the staff, and most importantly, the patients they serve. -Misty The last post cut off in the very middle of what I was typing but long story short, the health department helps everyone. A lot of people may not realize this because they may believe the health department only serves the poor but this is not true. The restaurants you eat at for example, are inspected by the health department. This effects everyone. The wonderful thing about the health department is no matter who you are or rather or not they can help you, they can lead you in the right direction and to me that is so important. A lot of time we discuss all the resources available to underserved and vulnerable population but we forget these resources are nothing without the population they serve. We may not be able to directly help certain populations but we have the ability to get them to someone who can and that is just as important!
Shealy The population served by the Allen County Health Department encompasses the entire community. From vaccines to refugee services, they cover it all. A lot of people assume that the health department is solely for the underserved but while waiting for my meeting the other day, a couple walked in and said they were going on a three week trip to visit 16 countries and needed all their vaccines. Obviously they weren't underserved, I wanted them to adopt me. The health department is there for everyone but they do funnel a lot of their resources into the population we discuss in class.
It is the type of place you could walk into and they would do everything they could to help you, regardless of where you stood economically. A lady the other day came in and was raising hell about all the mosquitoes in her backyard and apparently she was in the right place! They also provide services geared towards lead poisoning prevention The population at Matthew 25 consists of those who are uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare. All are low income (some homeless but most with jobs) and must be below 150% of the poverty line. The fastest growing population within there patient population is those between the ages of 40 and 60. Matthew 25 states that between 25-30 percent of Allen County residents are uninsured, after looking at more recent statistics after the implementation of the ACA, it may be more likely to be between 10 and 15 percent. Most patients receiving medical care from Matthew 25 are there due to diabetes and hypertension. It was noted that many of these patients coming from low income households have poor health literacy and adherence is a big issue. I have not had the opportunity to interact with the patient population for myself quite yet, but am anxious to get a more direct understanding of the needs of this patient population.
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October 2016
2016 AuthorsKadieMy name is Kadie and I would describe myself as easy-going and just living and loving life one day at a time! :)
Mehvish Elahi
My name is Mehvish Elahi =)
I am 21 and from New York I strive to become a Pharmacist! FernieI enjoy life by taking it one day at a time can't wait to become a Pharmacist!
NOAH OBEN
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story...DESIDERATA... I am very family oriented and I like traveling and enjoy watching and playing football (soccer). Ahmed Adow
I am friendly and outgoing persons, I like to travel and meet new people, my hobbies are player soccer and watching soccer. Dinh HaI am very friendly and I like to laugh a lot. For study breaks, I love to play games and sleep!
2015 AuthorsShealy Todd
I enjoy life and everything that comes with it and I find happiness from helping others enjoy it too. Misty R. GordonA work in progress.
I am better than I have ever been but nowhere near as great as I will become. Nichelle Logan
I love food and pharmacy! Matt Bessesen
Open to all avenues of the pharmacy profession while searching for a vocation that motivates me to be a better person Tyson
Long-term care is my pharmacy thing...and cats are my other thing. Jen
Currently striving to have a career in psychiatric pharmacy. I like to spend my time with my two Australian Cattle Dogs and three horses!. . 2014 AuthorsBriInterest is in psychiatric pharmacy and I have 2 adorable German Shepherds that keep me busy. MartrellI have a strong interest in retail pharmacy but I am open to learning about all aspects of the profession. KellyEverything happens for a reason. I am grateful and happy with all I am blessed with. JoeI am always up for trying new things. Looking forward to what the future has in store. EzzaI love photography, travelling, and food! |
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