Kannapolis City Schools

KANNAPOLIS — Kannapolis City Schools is partnering with community agencies to bring free medicine to people in need in Rowan and Cabarrus counties.

The district will host a free over-the-counter medicine giveaway Saturday. The giveaway, co-sponsored by N.C. MedAssist and Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, is open to any low-income person or family who needs over-the-counter medication.

The giveaway will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at A.L. Brown High School, 415 E. First St., Kannapolis. Identification is not required to participate.

Currently, there are more than 20,000 people in Cabarrus and Rowan counties who live below the federal poverty level and do not qualify for insurance. The over-the-counter giveaway will provide free medications to people in need and connect them with agencies that can help with their ongoing medical needs.

“We are very excited to host this event for our community,” said Angela Ward of Kannapolis City Schools Student Services.

Ward was instrumental in bringing the event to Kannapolis.

“I see so many people that have to choose between buying food and paying rent. They can’t afford to buy medicine. Being able to provide this service is extremely important for so many people, and I’m pleased we can serve KCS families and the entire community in this way,” Ward said.

This will be the first over-the-counter giveaway held in Kannapolis. It is open to people in both Cabarrus and Rowan counties. Individuals may receive as many as 10 over-the-counter medical items, including allergy relief and pain relief medications, antacids, cold medicines, first-aid supplies and vitamins.

Participants also will receive other free health care services such as information on community health resources and the N.C. MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program.

Each year, N.C. MedAssist distributes more than $5 million worth of donated over-the-counter medication to individuals and clinic partners.

“No one should go without medicine,” said MedAssist CEO Lori Giang. “N.C. MedAssist is excited to work with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare to give back to our neighbors in need. Through our partnerships, we are able to reach more and more individuals and educate them on our free resources.”

The giveaway will be in the activity fitness center at A.L. Brown High School. The center is off Rose Avenue behind the school near the tennis courts.

Volunteers are needed for the event. Visit www.medassist.org to volunteer.