Pulse

Students launch OTC medication program for HOPES patients

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small white pills and a pill bottle

Making sure patients have what they need is a priority for students volunteering at the EVMS HOPES Free Clinic. That’s why they felt a call to action when they learned about a new study that found one out of every five patients in low-income populations didn’t fill their prescriptions because of cost.

“With HOPES being a free clinic, we knew this was most likely impacting our patients as well,” says Miranda Teixeira, MD Class of 2024. “We immediately started working to stock over-the-counter medications for anyone in need.” It didn’t take long for them to confirm their suspicion.

Gregory Thompson was a patient in the EVMS Street Health program when he was referred to HOPES for a shoulder injury. While he was there, he mentioned that he had not been able to keep up with the amount of Tylenol and ibuprofen needed to control the pain.

“Although that may seem like a simple solution to go buy more medication at a store, he couldn’t keep buying them,” Ms. Teixeira says. “Thankfully, we had the medication in stock and were able to alleviate that burden for him.”

During the exam, the volunteers also discovered he was suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Instead of giving him a prescription he couldn’t fill, they were able to provide over-the-counter medications to address the issue.

Mr. Thompson was grateful for the assistance. "You don't understand how much this helps me out, I don't get this type of care anywhere else,” says Gregory Thompson. “It means a lot that you all give your time here, to help out people like me, and not only that but go above and beyond to do so."

Since the clinic began stocking OTC medications in February, they have been able to provide assistance to more than 20 patients. In addition to medications, they are also stocking glucose monitors, various braces, and hot/cold packs.

Ms. Teixeira hopes this is just the beginning. “We plan to keep expanding this program to provide more and more service for our community, and to alleviate the barriers they face.”

HOPES is the only free clinic in Norfolk and the first student-run free clinic in Virginia. The clinic is staffed by volunteer EVMS student clinicians, residents and physicians, who work together to provide patient-centered care.

To learn more about HOPES Free Clinic, visit evms.edu/hopes or call 757.446.0366. Para Español, 757.403.2474.

If you would like to support the great work happening at EVMS HOPES Free Clinic visit our Community Partner Resources page.