Chowan Hospital Foundation Awards Funds to Edenton Emergency Aid

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 4, 2013 - It started out at St. Anne Catholic Church by helping those stranded in the area with money for a hotel room while their car was undergoing repairs or a bus ticket to their final destination.  Today with the help of area churches and concerned citizens, the Edenton Emergency Aid program continues to do that and more.  The non profit organization was founded in 1975 with a goal of helping those experiencing temporary financial hardships.  It provides local citizens with needed prescriptions, money for rent, utility payments and travel to and from doctor appointments.  Chowan Hospital Foundation recently awarded Edenton Emergency Aid $1,500 to ensure patients receive needed medications.  

The prescription program is a vital part of the organization that has given so much to the community over the last three decades.  The program was added to ensure those without insurance received needed medications immediately after being discharged from the hospital.  Medicines provided help control diabetes, blood pressure and more.

“We want to help people who are experiencing hardships and have no insurance by providing prescriptions they need to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits,” said Pat Roughton, chair of the Edenton Emergency Aid program.  “Thanks to the support of Chowan Hospital Foundation and the community, we are able to give people medicines they need immediately.”

Vidant Chowan Hospital social workers Ginger Griffin and Loretta Nixon refer patients to the program.  Typically those enrolled receive medication for one month and are referred to other community programs such as the Gateway Community Health Center prescription program for continued assistance.

In the final quarter of 2012, Roughton said the program helped more than six patients receive medicines totaling more than $500.

Chowan Hospital Foundation Executive Director, Ginny Waff, feels this program is vital to the community and is proud to support it.
 
“The Edenton Emergency Aid Prescription Program provides a needed service to the community,” she said.  “It is our goal to enhance the health status of our community and encourage proactive individual healthcare.  Immediately providing medicines to those in need is one way we can accomplish this.”

Chowan Hospital Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides leadership and resources for health status improvements of area residents served by the local medical community.  The foundation raises funds to assist Vidant Chowan Hospital’s mission in enhancing the quality of life for the people and communities it serves, touches and supports.  For more information on how you can give, please call 252-482-6440.  Donations are accepted at Post Office Box 629, Edenton, NC 27932.  All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.