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TGC Penrose Foundation was founded in 2015 by Drs Richard and Elizabeth Oyekan.  Since 2002, Dr. Elizabeth has been a member of the Alliance of Jamaican and American Humanitarians (AOJAH) missionary group that goes to Jamaica annually to provide medical, dental, eye care, and medications to communities in some of the poorest parishes. She has been a lead pharmacist on most of the trips, working with the medical team to dispense up to 12 months worth of medications and educate patients about their therapies.

 

For most of the patients, getting up to one year’s supply of medications was life saving because they cannot afford their medications and now know that the fake medications on the black market will most likely be ineffective and possibly detrimental to their health.

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Dr. Elizabeth knows that the inability for communities to afford effective and legitimate medications is not just a problem in Jamaica, but worldwide especially in her country, Nigeria.

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Two years ago, upon returning from her mission trip, she discussed with family and friends about what could be done GLOBALLY to:

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• AWARENESS: Increase awareness of the growing epidemic of counterfeit / fake medications - the prevalence, challenges, and consequences of taking these medications

• ADVOCACY: A focus on the ongoing efforts and partnerships – locally, nationally, and worldwide to combat fake and counterfeit drugs

• ACCESS: Identify the progress, challenges, and opportunities to obtain effective and affordable medications – including patient assistance programs, how to obtain effective medications for medical missions, and policies

• AIM: Highlight and provide resources that promote effective medication management to improve people’s health outcomes - leveraging Medication A.R.E.A.S.* and other resources

 *A.R.E.A.S. = Adherence . Reconciliation . Education & Engagement . Affordability . Safety.

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In 2019, we developed this website to bring the following resources to all:

 

AWARENESS

• Current and timely NEWS UPDATES about Fake Medicines and their Deadly Consequences

• How to Identify and Avoid Buying Fake Drugs

• Questions to Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist about your Medications

• Safe Medications PATIENT Resources

 

ADVOCACY

• Worldwide Campaigns against Fake and Counterfeit Medications: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America, World Health Organization (WHO) and other Global Efforts, and Pharmaceutical Companies

 

ACCESS to Patient Assistance Programs and Medications for Medical Missions

• A list of patient assistant programs

• Where to purchase authentic and legitimate medications for Short Term Medical Missions Trips

• Guidelines for medicine donations

• Application for free medications for the following initial conditions in under-served areas – Diabetes, Hypertension, and Wellness (vitamins for adults and kids) coming soon

 

AIM: Medication A.R.E.A.S.  Resources

• Medication A.R.E.A.S. Bundle Handbook

• Other resources

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Our prayers and goal are to help bring healing, health, and hope to all communities by providing effective medication resources and focusing on the Medication A.R.E.A.S. to improve the health outcomes of individuals and communities.