HUNTINGTON, WV – Up to half of patients with chronic illness do not take their medications as prescribed and high costs are a major reason why, according to the World Health Organization. These patients face increased risks of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
Ebenezer Medical Outreach’s Community Pharmacy fills prescriptions for essential, non-controlled medications treating high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, infections, and more at no-cost to qualifying uninsured and underinsured patients. This is made possible through patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers, medication donations by national non-profits, and Ebenezer’s many supporters.
Thanks to a grant from the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Ebenezer will now be able to test an expansion of its hours to provide better access to these lifesaving treatments. Beginning in January 2025, Ebenezer’s Community Pharmacy is now open:
- Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from 1-1:30 p.m. for lunch)
- Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from 1-1:30 p.m. for lunch)
- Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from 1-1:30 p.m. for lunch)
That is not the only exciting change in Ebenezer’s Pharmacy. Free HIV self-testing kits are also now available through a grant-funded program with West Virginia’s Bureau for Public Health.
Since 2018, Huntington has been battling a cluster of HIV cases that has even caught national attention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Now, local individuals receiving a test kit from Ebenezer can learn their HIV status on their own time and in their own space with a simple mouth swab. Test results are available within 20 minutes, and Ebenezer helps make connections to organizations to support them going forward.
As part of a larger grant-funded drive to increase HIV testing, Ebenezer is able for a limited time to offer a selection of $25 gift cards for those who complete a self-test and report their results. While tests are freely available upon request, patients reporting their results are only eligible to receive a gift card once every three months – and only while supplies last.
Whether managing chronic conditions or battling epidemics, Ebenezer’s Community Pharmacy is saving lives right here in Huntington.
Ebenezer is working every day to build a healthy community. Its team of compassionate staff and dedicated volunteers provides high-quality, free and charitable primary care, pharmacy, dental, and more to the uninsured, underinsured, and those on Medicaid. Prospective patients, volunteers, and donors are invited to call Ebenezer Medical Outreach at 304-529-0753 or to visit https://emohealth.org/ to learn more.