Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy aids Union County's uninsured with free medications

During a recent Union County Board of County Commissioners meeting, Ritesh Shah, founder of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, delivered a compelling presentation highlighting the pharmacy's mission to provide essential medications to uninsured and underserved residents in New Jersey. Shah, who has over 25 years of experience as a pharmacist, shared his personal motivation for establishing the pharmacy, which stemmed from the loss of his sister and a desire to help those in need.

Since its opening in November 2023, the charitable pharmacy has dispensed approximately $250,000 worth of medications at no cost to local residents. Shah emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals can prioritize basic needs like food over medication costs, stating, "If they have $10, we want them to use that $10 for food, not for the medicine." Currently, the pharmacy serves around 60 patients, providing vital maintenance medications and filling nearly 2,000 prescriptions.

Shah's presentation underscored the significant impact the pharmacy has had on the community, particularly for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes. He shared a success story of a patient whose dangerously high hemoglobin A1C levels were significantly reduced through access to necessary medications, illustrating the life-saving potential of the pharmacy's services.

The meeting also featured commendations from county officials, including Commissioner Granados, who recognized Shah's efforts and the positive partnership between the pharmacy and Union County. The commissioners expressed their commitment to supporting the pharmacy's mission, acknowledging the critical role it plays in addressing healthcare disparities in the region.

As the meeting progressed, the board moved on to adopt communications and resolutions from various county offices, including the county clerk and prosecutor. However, the highlight remained Shah's heartfelt presentation, which not only showcased the pharmacy's achievements but also reinforced the importance of community support in addressing healthcare access challenges. The ongoing partnership between the county and the charitable pharmacy is poised to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of Union County residents.