We would also like to thank our industry partners who so generously provide their medicines to the MEDBANK Pharmacy.

In October 2002 MEDBANK launched the MEDBANK Pharmacy, a central-fill, mail order licensed pharmacy in the state of Maryland that receives donations of bulk medicine supplies directly from the Pharmaceutical manufacturers. The Pharmacy has expanded MEDBANK’s operations and allows it to get needed medications to eligible Patients more quickly. It is the only nonprofit, mail order pharmacy in Maryland devoted to providing free medications to patients that cannot afford them.  It allows MEDBANK to enhance its services to Patients by:

• Providing Pharmaceutical case management for Patients on multiple medications therefore easing strain on Doctors' offices.

• Improving Delivery Time: Cut the time for delivery of medications to Patients from 4-6 weeks to 1 week or less, minimizing the time period a patient is without needed medications.

• Reduction in paperwork.

Currently Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Merck, Novartis, and Pfizer, Inc., have partnered with MEDBANK to provide their medicines to the MEDBANK pharmacy. MEDBANK is currently recruiting additional major Pharmaceutical manufacturers' to participate.

MEDBANK estimates that the pharmacy, which began filling prescriptions and dispensing donated medicines in October of 2002, has distributed over $20,000,000 worth of medicines since inception.

The advent of the MEDBANK pharmacy is resourceful, unique and unwavering in its efforts to help people with their most basic needs. By creating the first Central Fill pharmacy, MEDBANK is and should be a model for other organizations wishing and working to better their communities.