The Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy provides free prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and used medical equipment for Chatham County residents who are uninsured or underinsured.
The Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy was founded in 2005 by three pharmacists, a couple of physicians, and local philanthropists who saw a need in the community. For nearly 15 years, the pharmacy has served thousands of residents in need.
The pharmacy is currently managed by Lynn Glasser who retired three years ago. Glasser was the owner of Siler City Pharmacy until his retirement. When the pharmacy’s founding pharmacist Jack Brooks had a stroke last March, Glasser took over the reins.
“I have a real compassion for people who have problems and I want to help them as best as I can,” Glasser said. “Mr. Brooks mentored me as a young pharmacist. He taught me a lot about how I deal with patients.”
According to Glasser, residents between the ages of 45 and 65 make up the largest segment of their clients, with a majority of them being women.
“They are between a rock and a hard place. They are not old enough to get Medicare and don’t qualify for Medicaid,” Glasser said.
The pharmacy assists Chatham residents in completing paperwork to qualify for different prescription assistance programs. It also distributes free medication to its clients.
“It’s mostly daily maintenance medications—diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing meds, mental health medications,” Glasser said.
The pharmacy does not distribute cancer medications as the costs are prohibitive. In addition, Glasser noted that the pharmacy does not distribute medications that are controlled substances such as opiates.
Most of their clients live in the poorest areas of the county. Most are in the western side of the county, but they also have clients who live in Moncure. Glasser noted the Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy would like to reach out more to that portion of the county, but is limited in the amount of funds that can be used for outreach.
The organization is supported by grants, donations, and fundraisers. Their biggest partners are the United Way of Chatham County, Galloway Ridge, the Siler City Rotary Club, the county funding. They also partner with the state’s MedAssist program which supplies prescriptions to individuals in need.
The organization is hosting two fundraisers this holiday season in hopes of bolstering their coffers to help more people.
On Dec. 1, the Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes. Four members of the Pittsboro United Methodist Church are donating their homes for the event.
The owners of the Stout Home, the Bryan Home, the Winston Home, and the Kennedy Home are going above and beyond this holiday season to support the event.
Each of the homeowners is inviting tour goers to come and visit outside and inside their home. Each are decorating and creating festive environments to welcome donors to celebrate the season.
The Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy is also partnering with the First United Methodist Church in Siler City for a luminary and holiday choir event on Dec. 9. Luminaries can be purchased in honor of or in memory of a loved one to support the pharmacy’s work.
The luminaries will be displayed on the drive way and lit as music is performed by the Corinth AME Zion Gospel Choir, First Missionary Baptist Male Chorus, the GUMC Choir, McKinely & Sophie Loflin, Autumn Davis, and Angelynn Fox.
For more information on the fundraisers or Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy, contact the pharmacy at 919-663-0177 or Lynn Glass at 919-542-9411 or Becky Loflin at 919-548-6142.