Hope and Help Center of Central Florida

PHARMACY AND 340B: Hope & Help owns a small local pharmacy, Orlando ProCare Pharmacy (OPC). As a retail pharmacy, it serves as an accessible point of care, fostering wellness through medication safety and expanded services. Simultaneously, OPC actively participates in the 340B program, which extends affordable medication access to vulnerable populations. Despite oversight concerns, the 340B program remains integral to addressing disparities in medication access. Orlando ProCare Pharmacy, through its retail and 340B initiatives, contributes to a healthcare system centered on equity, accessibility, and responsiveness to diverse community needs. The 340B program stands as a crucial pillar in our commitment to broadening access to affordable medications for underserved populations. This program allows us to purchase prescription medications at significantly discounted prices. By leveraging these cost savings, we can expand our capacity to serve vulnerable and low-income patient populations. The program plays a pivotal role in enhancing the financial sustainability of our agency, allowing us to reinvest in critical services and community outreach initiatives with the savings. Through the 340B program, we strive to bridge gaps in healthcare access, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and greater equity in healthcare delivery. The Patient Assistance Program is a vital initiative dedicated to supporting individuals who encounter financial barriers in accessing crucial medical treatments, medications, housing, food, transportation to and from medical appointments and unexpected life emergencies. Established with the overarching mission of improving health and life outcomes and ensuring equitable healthcare access, our program aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Our primary goals encompass providing financial assistance for prescribed medications, alleviating economic burdens associated with medical treatments, and fostering a sense of community among participants. Eligibility criteria include demonstrating financial need and meeting residency requirements within a specific geographic area. Participants can access benefits such as financial assistance, discounted rates negotiated with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, educational resources, and ongoing support to navigate the healthcare system. The application process involves completing the appropriate Patient Assistance Program application form, with a dedicated team reviewing applications promptly to ensure timely support. Our program's success is reflected in impactful stories of individuals who have experienced improved health and well-being outcomes through our assistance, demonstrating our commitment to promoting health equity and enhancing the quality of life for those facing financial hardships and in accessing essential healthcare services.

Medical case management and peer support: medical case managers provide a range of client-centered services that link clients with health care, psychosocial, and other services. Coordination and follow-up of medical treatments are components of medical case management. Services ensure timely, coordinated access to medically appropriate levels of health and support services and continuity of care through ongoing assessment of clientskey family members' needs and personal support systems. Medical case management includes treatment adherence counseling to ensure readiness for and adherence to complex hiv/aids regimens. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, medical case managers conducted meetings with 541 clients, 78 of which were new to the agency, totaling 5,121 hours during the fiscal year.

PREVENTION: Our prevention program is comprehensive and inclusive, addressing not only HIV but also other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Syphilis and Hepatitis C. In addition to offering educational presentations, training, and interventions, our health educators conduct outreach to minority and underserved communities across Central Florida. Individuals who test positive for any of these infections are immediately connected with appropriate resources and support services. Furthermore, our syringe exchange program plays a vital role in harm reduction by providing individuals with access to clean needles in exchange for their used ones. This initiative not only helps prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C but also promotes safer injection practices. Additionally, we distribute Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, to further address the opioid crisis and prevent overdose deaths within our communities. Our prevention program is committed to meeting the diverse needs of our community members and ensuring that they have access to the resources and support necessary to maintain their health and well-being.