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Cynthia* was suffering from frequent and debilitating headaches, difficulty breathing, pounding in her chest and ears, and overall fatigue when she first sought care from Mamou Health Resources, Inc., a free clinic in Evangeline Parish, LA. Prior to coming to the clinic, Cynthia had enough money to see a health care provider only sporadically and was unable to afford her prescription medications.
Cynthia, a 32-year-old mother of four young children, is employed and the sole breadwinner in her family but does not have insurance. Cynthia works as a personal aide to elderly and disabled persons in her community, assisting them with daily living needs like cooking, cleaning, shopping and bathing. Due to her painful headaches, Cynthia was forced to miss work and at times found it difficult to care for her children. Cynthia's employer referred her Mamou Health Resources where she was diagnosed with hypertension and arthritis.
Today, Cynthia's hypertension is under control thanks to donations by AmeriCares. Mamou Health Resources obtained these medications for Cynthia and other patients last February during AmeriCares Heart Month Initiative when it made more than ${esc.dollar}2 million worth of free cardiovascular medication and equipment available to its U.S. partners.
"This medication has helped me the most in controlling my high blood pressure," explained Cynthia. "I began taking the medication in March. I have not missed work since then. I can better care for my home and family."
"Thank you to AmeriCares for the many donations that your organization has provided to the free clinic," said Dr. A. John Tassin, Cynthia's clinician. "Sample medications are extremely beneficial to our patients, who receive immediate alleviation of their symptoms. The ability to pay for needed medication, even a low cost medication, is sometimes a barrier to patients having that medication. Receiving the medication from AmeriCares helps providers at our clinic determine more quickly if a particular medication is right for our patients."
AmeriCares U.S. Medical Assistance Program would like to thank AstraZeneca for their generous donations and support of AmeriCares Heart Month Initiative.
*name changed to protect patient's privacy
Photo of clinic staff: From L-R, Adrienne Brown and Patricia Broussard, case managers and Dr. A. John Tassin, Cynthia's healthcare provider.
