Page 26 - Giving Back Guide - 2022

GIVING BACK
St. Vincent de Paul
COMMUNITY PHARMACY
story by Lynn Lofton
The only service of its kind in
South Mississippi, the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy is filling
a gap in the health care of many residents of Harrison, Jackson and Hancock counties. Founded in 1998, the pharmacy dispenses necessary medications free of charge to those who qualify.
Executive Director Sam Burke says, “Pharmaceuticals remain the number one expense, specifically insulin for our clients. The Pharmacy is able to focus 93 percent of its total budget on direct services to clients.”
Sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization dedicated to working with
the poor, the non-profit agency has filled the health care gap for medically needy persons. The pharmacy is independently incorporated and does not discriminate by religion, race, ethnicity, sex or age.
Louis. The Biloxi location is open to the public on Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. The Hattiesburg location and extension sites are open by appointment.
Although fund raising efforts changed during the pandemic, Burke said the efforts continued and they were able to hold the annual golf tournament and were successful in getting some grants and new funding. However, the need still exists and donations are always welcome.
715-B Division St., Biloxi 228.347.9097
The Pharmacy is largely staffed (including its 12 pharmacists with the exception of the executive director, program director, and social worker)
by volunteers. More than 55 people make the Pharmacy’s service possible each week with an additional 25 people providing support, oversight and fundraising help.
The organization has two pharmacy locations, Biloxi and Hattiesburg. There are two additional extension site locations in Moss Point and Bay St.
26 | December 2022 - Giving Back Guide
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