Founded in 1997 as MedAssist of Mecklenburg, NC MedAssist began by serving low-income uninsured seniors in Mecklenburg County before expanding statewide in 2009 to meet the growing need for affordable medication access across North Carolina. Today, NC MedAssist is the only statewide nonprofit pharmacy in North Carolina, dedicated to improving health outcomes by expanding access to medication for uninsured and under-resourced North Carolinians.

NC MedAssist provides free prescription medications through its Free Pharmacy Program, distributes over-the-counter medicine through its Mobile Free Pharmacy and OTC Free Store programs, and supports workforce development through its Transitional Employment Opportunities (TEO) initiative. Together, these programs help strengthen individual and community health while improving access to essential care and support services.

Working as a stabilizing force within the healthcare ecosystem, NC MedAssist addresses barriers to medication access before they become medical crises. Partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, public agencies, and local leaders help NC MedAssist connect individuals to medications, education, and supportive services that promote long-term health and stability. These collaborative efforts strengthen care coordination, improve health outcomes, and expand access to critical resources throughout communities statewide.

By improving medication access, NC MedAssist helps:

• Prevent avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits
• Reduce uncompensated healthcare costs
• Improve chronic disease management and long-term health outcomes
• Strengthen workforce stability and family well-being
• Build healthier, more resilient communities across North Carolina

In the past year, NC MedAssist served more than 91,000 North Carolinians and distributed more than $61 million in prescription and over-the-counter medication statewide.