In May, the Northwest Louisiana Interfaith Pharmacy - a "free pharmacy" - opened its doors to area residents as a resource for medications. HUD's Shreveport Field Office was a key player in making the pharmacy a reality by helping identify and bringing together many community partners and suggesting the use of a management information system for client referral, eligibility screening and case management. The Office's involvement has been a key factor in ensuring broad community collaboration, client-friendly screening and referral and reduced risk of duplication of services.

The idea for the pharmacy began in 1999 when four diverse groups, meeting independently, identified a compelling need for prescription drug assistance in Northwest Louisiana. These groups were the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, First Presbyterian Church and the Caddo Community Action Agency. In March 2000, they began to meet together with a goal of making their dreams a reality.

NLIP volunteers assist in screening a homeless client.

The group discovered that a large number of citizens lack the ability to obtain prescription drugs. Approximately 22 percent of individuals in Northwest Louisiana live below the poverty level with some census tracts as high as 74 percent. Lack of adequate drug therapy causes individuals to use the health system in inefficient and costly ways, draining the limited resources available to all citizens.

The group established a board of directors, elected officers, incorporated the organization and obtained a non-profit status. Board members visited free pharmacies in several other cities and began to meet with area social service organizations and non-profits to ensure services did not duplicate resources available from other sources in the community.

Christus Schumpert Medical Center offered the pharmacy a building that was one block from a city bus stop and within blocks of 10 social service agencies. The Willis Knighton Health System, the Christus Foundation and other donors - including the private sector, individuals and offerings from area churches - contributed time, money, equipment and volunteer labor to modify the building and furnish the pharmacy.

The name "Northwest Louisiana Interfaith Pharmacy" was chosen to represent the concept of inclusiveness and broad-based support from the entire faith community.

NLIP volunteers and pharmacy administrator on opening day.

The pharmacy does not dispense narcotics, addictive medications or those available from other resources in the community. Staffed by volunteer pharmacists, doctors, nurses, social workers, business leaders and other community volunteers, the pharmacy is developing strong support, with more than $120,000 in donated medications collected in the two-month period prior to opening. Among the first individuals provided service were residents of area homeless shelters not eligible for other prescription benefits. The non-denominational faith-based nonprofit is currently open two days a week, with plans to increase service to four days a week by late summer and implement a program to assist low-income residents to qualify for prescription drug assistance available from pharmaceutical companies.