Healthcare Organization’s Name Change Effective Today
October 1, 2008
COLUMBIA, SC – October 1, 2008 – With its recent growth outside the borders of South Carolina and an expanded mission to provide more of the nation’s uninsured with its prescription drug program, CommuniCare has announced a name change to Welvista, effective today. Welvista continues its prescription drug program for residents in four states who fall at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty limit and are without health insurance coverage.
The William E. Murray pharmacy located at Welvista’s headquarters off Forest Drive in Columbia serves its patients nationwide. Welvista also continues its dental services, Smiles for a Lifetime, for South Carolina children in Allendale County, Dillon II, and Clarendon I and II school districts, and Charleston.
“Because we are receiving increased interest from other states who want us to establish a prescription drug program, we found it necessary to change our name to one that is not associated with any other type of healthcare service nationwide,” says Welvista CEO Ken Trogdon. “We are committed to improving health and wellness for the uninsured. Our model has proven its viability and is the reason we are launching pilot programs in other states.”
“Welvista has been a very valuable partner to the Taylors Free Medical Clinic,” says Dr. Jim Hayes, medical director of the Taylors Free Medical Clinic. “The more expensive and more lifesaving medicines provided to us by Welvista have greatly enhanced the quality of life of our patients.”
“I work part-time but don’t make much money and don’t have health insurance coverage,” says Welvista patient Florita Patchman. “Welvista helped me to afford my medications, so I give back by speaking out about its services. I know what it does for me. There are so many other people who don’t go to the doctor or take their medicines because they can’t afford it.”
“Welvista is a wonderful service,” says patient Julia Collier. “I also have referred a friend of mine who needed help.”
About Welvista
Welvista is an innovative model of non-governmental healthcare intervention serving thousands of patients in four states. Its healthcare network provides medications at no cost to the uninsured who do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare or VA insurance and those who cannot afford to pay for insurance coverage on their own. Welvista also operates Smiles, five pediatric dental care programs caring for more than 5,000 children from limited income families who would not otherwise have access to oral healthcare. Welvista works through a unique network of more than 2500 volunteer physicians and 12 pharmaceutical companies that donate prescription drugs to approved patients.
To learn more about the organization, visit www.welvista.org.
