Published: October 16, 2006 10:51 pm      

Pickering visits Greater Meridian Health Clinic

Unable to attend Thursday's 20th anniversary celebration for Greater Meridian Health Clinic, U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering visited the facility Monday to congratulate the staff and meet with its administration.

"I want to congratulate and commend you for 20 years of service to the community and for the alliance you have made as you care for them, as you help them, and as you heal them," Pickering said. "I'm very proud to support your work and your mission."

In the first year Greater Meridian opened its doors, the facility served more than 5,000 patients in its five-county service area, which includes Lauderdale, Kemper, Noxubee, Winston and Oktibbeha. Twenty years later, more than 100,000 patients are served annually.

"The demand for medical care assistance continues to grow because many employers are unable to provide health care for their employees or employees are unable to afford insurance," said Wilbert Jones, the clinic's chief executive officer.

Pickering said local and government officials are committed to assisting community health centers such as Greater Meridian in meeting those increased demands.

"We're trying to expand our community health centers and increase the support we provide them," he said.

The congressman's visit also included a stop in the clinic's pharmacy. Representatives of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer also were present.

"We've been very fortunate to be able to partner with Pfizer's Share and Care Prescription Program, which has provided for patients who would otherwise not be able to have some of their prescriptions filled," said Robert Bowles, one of the clinic's pharmacists. "They have been very generous in their giving to our clinic."

According to Pfizer representative John Whittington, the company donated more than $1.3 million in prescription medicines last year to Greater Meridian.

"Hopefully, we can do more this year," Whittington said. "This is one of eight partnerships we have in the state and it is indeed a partnership. We can't just back the truck up and hand out drugs, it's a lot more extra time and effort. And we appreciate what Greater Meridian is doing to get these drugs to the patients to help them lead healthier lives."