Member Spotlight: Good Samaritan Pharmacy

We met with Luldes Serrano, Executive Director, who gave us some background on the Good Samaritan Pharmacy and the work they do in the community. The pharmacy started in 2008, and the free clinic was added in 2015. Since the pandemic, it has been a struggle to find enough volunteers. They are looking for volunteers including high school students who need service hours, and they gave us a list of OTC needs for those who would like to donate to support their cause.

About Good Samaritan Pharmacy

(from their website)

A non-denominational, not-for-profit organization that provides free access to physician services, diagnostic testing, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to uninsured, financially needy members of our community.

GSPHS opened in January of 2008 to dispense free prescription medication to eligible residents in need from our on-site pharmacy. Our volunteers assist residents in applying for free, long-term assistance for their brand-name medications through manufacturer patient assistance programs. GSPHS also has a free walk-in Medical Clinic. To qualify patients should have a valid ID, be uninsured and have income of no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

GSPHS Patient Success Story – 2022

“John Doe” is a 55 year old gentleman from North Port. He started using our services in the fall of 2019. When he first came to us, he was unemployed and was homeless. He was having re-occurring seizures, as well as chronic right shoulder and hip pain with a limited range of motion. He stated he was always in extreme pain and was not able to sleep because of it. Our physicians felt the chronic pain was due to “traumatic dislocation during seizure activity.” He was referred to the Sarasota Memorial Specialty Clinic, including a series of comprehensive labs, CT scan, x-rays, MRI, and consultations with a neurologist, an orthopedic surgeon and the Epilepsy Foundation. All of these tests and specialist referrals were at no cost to him. It was determined that the seizures were circumstantial related to dehydration and homelessness. Before he could be a candidate for a total hip replacement (as was the recommendation) he had to attend vocational rehab, find stable housing and support to help in the recovery after the surgery. We assisted him in completing paperwork for housing assistance and he was able to get additional support to aid in his recovery. Once he moved in to an apartment his seizures subsided. He had also lost his driver’s license due to the re-occurrence of the seizures. Once the seizures were under control he was able to get his driver’s license back and get a job. He followed the outlined treatment and recovery plans and was able to get scheduled for a total hip replacement at no cost to him. However, due to Covid, his surgery was delayed until March of 2021. He had the hip replacement surgery and is now able to move without the pain. He is living in an apartment and has started working. He is grateful for our services and the guidance and care he receives from us. He tells us that without our help he would not be walking, working or living on his own.

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