Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy and Union County Collaborate to Address Healthcare Inequities Among Underserved Residents

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
ELIZABETH, NJ- Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Union County, marking a significant milestone in our mission to enhance healthcare access for uninsured and underserved residents. This memorandum of agreement signifies a crucial moment in our dedication to reducing healthcare disparities within the community.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on November 21, 2023, at the Union County Health Department, attended by RSCP Board Members and County Officials. The County of Union is initiating a new pharmacy program at the Union County Immunization Center in Elizabeth, focusing on providing medication for chronic conditions. Operating on weekdays, the program will collect and distribute prescriptions to participants who must obtain their prescriptions from a designated medical center. Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy will fill prescriptions at no cost, offering remote pharmacist consultations for guidance and support. Additionally, RSCP will host educational events to empower patients with health-related knowledge.

The mission of RSCP is rooted in creating a healthier and more equitable community, aiming to increase access to medications, immunizations, health education, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underserved patients.

The genesis of Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy is a story of love, dedication, and a profound desire to make a difference. It began with Ritesh Shah, a renowned pharmacist and CEO of the Legacy Pharmacy Group, inspired by the memory of his sister Rena. Her untimely passing due to health complications and COVID became the driving force behind the creation of New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy. Rena’s brother, Ritesh, transformed his grief into a lasting tribute to his sister, supported by his wife, Asha, who returned from retirement to assist in this noble endeavor. The Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy opened its doors to serve the community in the Spring of 2022.

Ritesh Shah, Founder of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, shared his thoughts on this partnership, stating, “Honoring the memory of Rena is always at the forefront of this undertaking. This partnership with Union County is a significant step in our commitment to make healthcare accessible to all.”

In its short existence, the pharmacy has already made a profound impact, providing essential medications and support to over [number] patients who meet the financial criteria, ensuring that pain, irrespective of economic status, receives the same compassionate response. Personal funds, community donations, and support from pharmaceutical companies, such as Eli Lilly, have played a pivotal role in sustaining this initiative.

Union County, located in the northern part of New Jersey, is a region known for its prosperity, with a diverse and growing population of nearly 600,000 residents. This strategic partnership with Union County reflects our shared commitment to bridging the healthcare gap and ensuring that vital healthcare services are accessible to all.

Together, RSCP and Union County are dedicated to making healthcare a reality for underserved residents, contributing to a brighter, healthier future for our entire community.

Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy is located at 224 Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank NJ 07701. They are open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm, and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information on the pharmacy, please visit https://rscprx.org.