Port Charlotte, Fla. is referred to as a “little city with a big heart.” Mike Klein, president of Guardian Pharmacy SWFL, is a regular volunteer at Virginia B. Andes Community Clinic and Pharmacy (VBA). The mission of the VBA Clinic, under the umbrella of St. Vincent de Paul Community Health care (a 501(c)3), is to provide no-cost episodic medical services and prescription medications to the uninsured and underserved of Charlotte County. In addition to the profound impact the VBA Clinic has on saving lives, it also significantly benefits the community by minimizing emergency room visits and expenses at three local hospitals.
Mike Klein and staff
Virginia B. Clinic volunteers including Tina Klein
The VBA pharmacy originally opened on May 17, 2000 in conjunction with Punta Gorda’s Sacred Heart Church Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. It was renamed the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic and Pharmacy in 2009 after Virginia, a longtime community volunteer, generously created an endowment to provide ongoing capital funds. As a volunteer, Mike fills prescriptions and helps provide free medications to uninsured and underserved individuals. Mike is committed to help expand access to quality pharmacy care in the community.
The team has worked to establish two sponsored medication sources with Direct Relief and Mission of Hope, enabling them to provide completely free prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to qualified individuals. Mike feels honored to serve with this organization.
A portrait of Virginia B. Andes, benefactor
