Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 2, 1992 TAG: 9203020197
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: HELEN DASSE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Although resources are limited, people can and do get seen by doctors for their physical illnesses. The greatest hurdle they face is not that of being examined, but rather finding the resources to pay for the medicine they need to get well or to manage chronic illness.
Medicines for acute illnesses, such as antibiotics, can be expensive. It takes great imagination and stamina to find the financial support to pay for them. Under normal circumstances, it is energy-draining. While sick, it is exhausting and debilitating.
Medicine for chronic illness - such as anti-hypertension medicines, insulin, ulcer medicine or cardiac, psychotropic and anti-Parkinson's medicines - can be impossible to get. These medicines are expensive and are required monthly for as long as the rest of your life.
The issue of a central pharmacy for the indigent has long been discussed in various meetings, in various combinations of agencies. I strongly urge the Roanoke Valley Poverty Strategy Task Force to take just one issue and solve it. If a well-stocked pharmacy were developed to serve the people of the Roanoke Valley, a significant impact on the health needs of our community would be met.
Helen Dasse manages services for adults with serious mental illnesses at Mental Health Services of Roanoke Valley.
by CNB