Disaster Response Virgin Islands Project #39508

Provide a Year of Medicine to 50 Virgin Islanders

by Patient Assist VI, Inc.

Summary

This project helps those with chronic illnesses in the US Virgin Islands which are still in recovery from the unprecedented 2017 hurricanes. Medical infrastructure remains compromised, so it is critical to keep islanders at the lowest level of care for their chronic health issues. Compliance with prescribed medications is an essential part of community health. No person should have to choose between basic needs like food and shelter and the medication they need to stay healthy and productive.

$200,000
total goal

$52,949
remaining

53
donors

3
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

4
years

Challenge

All 3 of the US Virgin Islands were affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. None of the hospitals are fully-functional, there is a shortage or absence of specialty physicians, and many medical complications still require treatment in the US. The economy continues to have high un/under-employment. There are no options for individuals to purchase health insurance, limited Medicare Part-D, and restrictive eligibility for Medicaid. Many residents cannot afford to purchase their medications.

Solution

PAVI gives people access to the medications they need to stay healthy. The limited resources of these islands make it critical for people to stay at the lowest level of care for their medical conditions--after the hurricanes, more than ever. Most prescriptions are to treat diabetes, hypertension, high-cholesterol, and asthma. Compliance with prescription medications helps prevent serious complications (heart attacks, stroke, amputations, etc.), improving both individual and community health.

Long-Term Impact

Because the average age of our patients is 60, maintaining health for chronic conditions has a long-lasting impact for the individual--improving quality of life and ability to work and/or be a family caregiver. Compliance with medication helps prevent costly and unpleasant complications. Community health is improved because people with long-term health issues are maintained in outpatient settings--reducing hospital cost and allowing time for the medical infrastructure to be rebuilt and improved.