866-331-1348 | info@medassist.org
866-331-1348 | info@medassist.org
The Over-the-Counter Medicine Free Store (OTC Free Store) will permanently close after Thursday, June 18, and will no longer offer regular store services.
This decision was not made lightly. After careful consideration, we determined that evolving our OTC program will allow us to use our resources more effectively, helping us expand access to over-the-counter items and support more North Carolinians across the state.
If your last visit to the OTC Free Store was before May 19, you can shop one final time before the store permanently closes on June 18. If you need over-the-counter items, we encourage you to visit before then.
Please note: as we prepare for this transition, we’ve updated our store hours to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30–4:00 p.m.
This change does not mean NC MedAssist is going away. We will still offer free prescription medication AND continue providing free over-the-counter items in other ways, including:
• Mobile Free Pharmacy events
These events are open to all NC residents. You do not need to be a resident of the county where the event is held. For example, if you are a resident of Mecklenburg County, you can also participate in events in other counties. Check the calendar here for upcoming events.
• Special free medicine distribution and wellness events
We’re working to bring more health services and resources to our office. Participants can place orders online and pick them up at the event. Our next events will be on Tuesday, July 28 & Thursday, July 30. More information on how you can participate will be coming soon
We know this news may leave you with many questions, and we will continue to share updates as plans are finalized as we transition into this new way of serving our mission. If you need to reach us, contact us at info@medassist.org or 704.350.3587.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you through the store, and we want you to know how much it has meant to NC MedAssist to support you and your family. Thank you for trusting us and allowing us to be part of your care and support.
As healthcare needs continue to grow and access gaps become more complex, we are making intentional decisions about how to use our space, resources, partnerships, and staff talent in ways that allow us to reach more people, more equitably, and more sustainably. Learn more about our next step here.
Yes. The NC MedAssist OTC Free Store will permanently close after June 18. After that date, regular OTC Free Store services will no longer be available.
The OTC Free Store has served many people over the past eight years, and we are deeply grateful for that opportunity. NC MedAssist is making this change so we can reach more people across North Carolina, especially those in areas with limited access to medicine, transportation, and healthcare resources.
No. NC MedAssist will continue providing free over-the-counter items, but they will be offered in different ways, including Mobile Free Pharmacy events, special distribution events, and distribution through trusted safety-net partners.
The final day to visit the OTC Free Store will be June 18. We encourage participants to visit on or before that date if they need over-the-counter items before the store closes.
After June 18, you may be able to access free over-the-counter items through:
Yes. NC MedAssist is planning special distribution events at the office on July 28 and July 30. More details will be shared soon about how to participate and what items or services may be available.
No. The OTC Free Store will not reopen as a regular walk-in store. Future events will be special distribution opportunities and may include partners offering additional support, such as health screenings, education, food resources, and other services.
At this time, NC MedAssist does not anticipate opening another OTC Free Store. Instead, we are expanding access through Mobile Free Pharmacy events, special distribution events, and partner-based distribution across North Carolina.
NC MedAssist’s Free Pharmacy Program provides free prescription medication for uninsured North Carolina residents who qualify. If you are uninsured and need help with prescription medicine, please visit our website to learn more and apply.
NC MedAssist will share information about upcoming events and resources through our website, text/email updates when available, and social media. Please visit our website regularly and sign up for updates so you can stay informed.
Yes. NC MedAssist remains committed to serving people who need access to medicine and health resources. While the OTC Free Store is closing, we look forward to serving participants through future Mobile Free Pharmacy events, special distribution events, and partner-based support.
Please visit the NC MedAssist website for updates, frequently asked questions, and contact information. Additional details about upcoming events and local resources will be shared as they become available.
