NC MedAssist is North Carolina’s only statewide charitable pharmacy, providing free prescription and over-the-counter medications to uninsured and under-resourced residents across the state. In Transylvania County — where rural geography, fixed incomes, and limited pharmacy access create significant barriers to care — NC MedAssist delivers services through two complementary programs that together served 501 county residents in the most recent year, providing nearly $196,000 in prescription and OTC medication value.
The Free Pharmacy Program enrolls uninsured individuals living at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, filling prescriptions and mailing them directly to patients’ homes — eliminating transportation as a barrier. In the past year, 23 Transylvania County residents were enrolled, receiving 276 ninety-day fills equivalent to 583 monthly prescriptions. Ninety-three percent received medications for chronic conditions, and 36% received behavioral health medications. Among long-term patients, 90% reported taking medications as prescribed and 92% reported avoiding an emergency department visit in the past year.
The Mobile OTC Medicine program brings free non-prescription medications directly to the community through distribution events open to any resident regardless of income or insurance status. The most recent Transylvania County event served 478 individuals and families — including 74 homebound residents — distributing $82,216 in medications. Post-event surveys indicated that 28 participants may have avoided an emergency department visit as a result.
Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support NC MedAssist’s work to ensure that Transylvania County residents are never forced to choose between essential medications and other basic needs.
Learn More: https://medassist.org/
