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Show 0 (5 &( (3 tf 0(0 MARTIN LICEAGA FACES more challenges than most: He's an immigrant; he and his wife, Carmen, are raising five children and he must deal with the ravaging effects of hepatitis C, a liver disease that prevents him from working. His life is now dependent on taking expensive medications, whose costs far exceed his ability to pay. PHARMACY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Fortunately for Martin, IHCs Pharmacy Assistance Program is providing the medications he needs. A joint program involving IHC, pharmaceutical companies, and local pharmacies, the program provides medications at little or no cost to eligible patients, depending on their ability to pay. Many, like Martin, receive their medications for free. Arranged through IHC Mission Services, the department within IHC which coordinates many charitable programs and grants, the Pharmacy Assistance Program was created in July 2000. The medications are donated by drug manufacturers. Offl(3 0 and at other clinics serving the homeless and those with low incomes. nowhere else to go." HEALTH ASSESSMENT FAIRS BRING ONGOING CARE Neighborhood health assessment fairs have traditionally helped diagnose illnesses and even treat some simple health problems. But often, there was inconsistent followup care. has recently been teaming up with other community organizations to provide ongoing care management to those whose illnesses are identified at charitable health fairs. The care manager helps patients access community health resources and get the care they need. Many patients don't speak English, are living on low IHC child receive a hearing test at the Inner City Health Fair held at Salt Lake City Whittier Elementary School. A IHC David E. Salisbury Clinic in the Sorenson CHARITY CARE is a truly vital liaison to community As health services. One such health fair is The Children's Health Connection in and the Ogden, organized by Junior League of Ogden and supported by numerous physicians, dentists, and other caregivers and organizations. Last year, more than 2,000 people half of them children attended this event, which provided dental, medical, and IHC a charitable nonprofit organization, IHC cares for those with a medical need, regardless of ability to pay. Last year, in more than 95,000 visits, IHC facilities and physicians provided more than $33 million in direct charity care to people unable to pay (not including bad debt). IHC also works with other community agencies to care for those who are economically disadvantaged or have difficulty in accessing health services. HISPANIC COMMUNITY In the 2000 Census, nearly 13 percent of Weber County residents identified themselves as Hispanic, the area's fastest growing minority group. Many do not speak English, have no medical insurance, and don't know how to access available medical services. clinics operated or financially supported by IHC. Patients accepted into the program obtain a voucher along with their prescriptions. Participating pharmacies accept the vouchers as payment and are reimbursed by IHC IHC Mission Services. donated funds to print Health "! rfTTTMf ? ! JUfTT al FOR A GROWING m providing seed money to help replicate the program in other areas Multi-Cultur- A PUBLICATION identifies patients who have medication needs and lack the ability to pay for them. These are often patients who receive their medical care at charitable The voucher program is helping hundreds of patients along the Wasatch Front. IHC is now Neighborhood Center, both in Salt Lake City. incomes, and don't understand how to obtain help, so the care manager IHC long-ter- resource counseling services. similar event was the Inner City Health Fair, held last September at Whittier Eementary School in Salt Lake City. Nearly 350 people were screened at this fair, about half of whom required follow-u-p care. Many of these patients are now receiving regular health care at the IHC Pamela J. Atkinson Clinic at Lincoln Eementary School or at the A "This was my last chance," says Martin of the program. "I had MANAGEMENT 0(0 (06(5 Martin liceaga (shown here with his wife. Carmen, and their five children) Is doing well thanks to medications provided through IHCs Pharmacy Assistance Program. The charitable program provides medications at little or no cost to eligible patients. Self-Car-e Guide, written in Spanish, as well as a booklet of community resources. Community health care workers and volunteers distribute the guide to families who need it. |