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United States

“When you’re told `no’ to a medical need, that’s crushing.”

  • September 10, 2016
  • U.S. Programs
  • Health Initiatives, Access to Medicines, Newsroom, Mental Health

Kevin remembers how hard it was to find care when he was struggling with a mental illness. “Nothing shuts somebody down quicker than if something’s not available for them that they need,” he says. “When you’re told ‘no’ to a medical need, that’s crushing.”

Kevin found care and now works as a peer-support specialist at Haven for Hope in San Antonio, Texas, one of 88 in the U.S. supported by Americares with a unique program that donates medicine and personal care products to behavioral health centers across the country. Last year the program provided 220,000 prescriptions for free to low-income uninsured people like Kevin who qualify. With these donations, behavioral health centers can improve their clinical services.

People with a severe mental illness are twice as likely as the general population to be low-income and uninsured. Even if they get a prescription, they often can’t afford to fill it or must choose between rent, food or medicine.
“The patients have benefited incredibly from that choice that they now don’t have to make. So many of my patients are grateful because they don’t have to suffer every day from a completely treatable disorder.”  

Kindra Clark, RN, founder and president of Haven for Hope

Health is the foundation for every person in a community and community health starts with access to medicine. Ask Kevin.  He will tell you.