Eunice Community Health Center plans jail and bail fundraiser

Layoffs in the oil and gas industry have increased the number of patients at the Eunice Community Health Center, and the center will hold a fundraiser Nov. 12 at Ruby’s Courtyard.
Yancy Fontenot, executive director of the center, said, “We are seeing a large volume of patients coming in. Last week, we only saw males. Men are being laid off, and no longer have insurance. With unemployment rising in the oil field, people, men, are losing their jobs and can only receive unemployment for six months and can’t afford insurance. They can come in here and receive their medicine.”
The center’s Jail and Bail fundraiser will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12, and nominations forms are available at the center. For more information, call 457-1205, fax 457-5523 or email yancyuchc@bellsouth.net. Participants must post bail before 5 p.m. that day, at a minimum of $100 per person, or show up at Ruby’s Courtyard that evening. All proceeds will benefit the center. Casual dress or costumes are welcomed, and appetizers will be served.
In 2014, the center filled 178, 311 prescriptions, provided 7,280 primary care nurse practitioner services and had 71,136 client encounters. The center does not receive any government funding and relies on donations.
“Between fundraisers and taking care of patients, we have been very busy,” Fontenot said. “This will be our first Jail and Bail fundraiser. I’ve seen these done before, and I think it will be fun. I think it will bring awareness of the free pharmacy and what services we have available to the town and region.”
Fontenot said she hopes to have about 75 people sign up for the fundraiser.
“The community and the region need the pharmacy to stay open, but it costs to keep the doors open” she said. “Thanks you for all your help.”