In a 1,000-square-foot space in North Texas, St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy is making a big impact, filling prescriptions at no cost for uninsured Texans who can’t afford their medications.
“Our main mission is to provide access with dignity and compassion,” said Carlos Irula, director of the charitable pharmacy. “It’s free, so I think that’s the biggest difference.”
Since opening in 2018, the nonprofit has provided more than $130 million worth of medications to over 9,000 uninsured patients, most of them in North Texas.
“The medicine is in the round of $600,” said Salvador Lopez, who picked up a prescription at the pharmacy. “I do have the money, but I also have to pay rent and food and everything. There’s no way to pay for that.”
St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy exists to help people who might otherwise have to choose between food and essential medication.
“We’re blessed in the situation where we have our doors open for these folks to come get help,” Irula said. “But I do think there will be more people needing our service.”
The demand is growing amid increased insurance costs and a temporary lapse in SNAP benefits for many Texas families.
The pharmacy’s work is supported by a unique training program involving students from Texas Tech University’s School of Pharmacy and Cristo Rey Dallas Preparatory School.
“I never really thought before coming here how many people actually needed medicine and couldn’t afford it,” said Cristo Rey sophomore Maria Molina. “So I think that was really eye-opening for me.”
“It’s an unbeatable feeling, honestly,” said Aamhad Stewart, a Texas Tech PharmD candidate. “I go home every day just knowing that I was able to change somebody’s life in some aspect, even if we are just filling scripts.”
Irula said that beyond medications, the pharmacy offers a lesson in compassion.
“Maybe they don’t know what they want to do, but now they got a chance to experience what it is to be able to give,” he said.
To get help or donate to St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy, visit their website.