Mission Hospital prides itself on forming community partnerships with organizations that have a significant impact on the Western North Carolina region. The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) is no exception. What was started in 1969 by eight Buncombe County Churches has now grown into a cooperative ministry of more than 260 churches joining together with the goal of working to serve others in need in the name of Christ.
The ABCCM was created to respond to emergency assistance needs in the community. As the uninsured and homeless population continues to grow, so does the need for these services, which address poverty, hunger, homelessness and access to health care for the under-served in Buncombe County.
Since 1991 Mission has worked closely with the ABCCM's Medical Ministry, which helps patients receive quality care, at a low price.
For more information on the ABCCM's services, please call 828-259-5300.
What is the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Medical Ministry?
The ABCC Medical Ministry is committed to bringing quality healthcare to those who otherwise couldn't afford it.
With that in mind, ABCCM partnered with Mission and other community health partners to create a medical ministry that offers a system of indigent healthcare. The Medical Ministry provides acute care, medical care, referral management to primary care, medication, medical supplies and equipment, and dental care.
The Medical Ministry has a team of healthcare professionals that includes nurses, social workers, counselors and physicians who all volunteer their time to deliver an integrated care plan for those who have no private insurance, are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare and who meet designated income guidelines.
Partnerships with local businesses such as Mission and others, enable ABCCM to maintain the quality standard of care that all community members deserve. Cane Creek Pharmacy, an ABCCM community business partner, serves area residents by donating vital medications to the ABCCM pharmacy.
ABCCM Medical Ministry Pharmacy
The pharmacy at ABCCM Medical Ministry is a key part of the services it provides. As healthcare costs continue to climb, many patients are unable to afford basic healthcare, much less the cost of prescription drugs that are critical to their care plan. This is made possible through the donations of prescription medications from businesses like the Cane Creek Pharmacy.
"Cane Creek Pharmacy is dedicated to supporting patients in our community and ABCCM's efforts to provide excellent pharmaceutical care to all members of our community." -Derek Altizer, Cane Creek Pharmacy Manager
The ABCCM Medical Ministry Pharmacy provides free medications to patients seen in the Medical Ministry's acute care clinic and meets the needs of patients in the community who are seeking medication assistance. The pharmacy also has afternoon hours to provide medications for discharged patients from Mission, the local emergency rooms and those who have private physicians outside the clinic but can't afford to purchase their own medications.
Mission's Involvement
Mission feels strongly that it has a responsibility to help care for the under-served in Buncombe County. As part of its partnership with the ABCCM, Mission provides funding to the Ministry and encourages its Board members, physicians and nurses to volunteer hours on a monthly basis.
In turn, ABCCM is able to provide a valuable service to the most needy community members in the region, ensuring that uninsured patients get appropriate care, while avoiding a trip to the emergency room.
Ultimately, this partnership results in a win-win for everyone involved - Mission is able to help care for those in need while also ensuring that healthcare resources are used efficiently, and the citizens of Buncombe County are able to receive much needed healthcare benefits.
Volunteers are essential to the ABCCM. Their integrated team of healthcare professionals is composed of volunteers who give their time to care for those who cannot afford healthcare.
Volunteering for ABCCM
All opportunities to volunteer and provide donations of money or supplies for the Medical Ministry are posted online. Please call 828-259-5339 if you are interested in these opportunities.
The ABCCM also welcome volunteers from the local community. If you are interested in getting involved with one of the ABCCM's other ministries or taking a tour of the facilities, please call 828-259-5300.
Where to go for help
If you or someone you know could benefit from the healthcare services provided by ABCCM, we are here to help. Please call 828-259-5339.
Contact ABCCM
For more information on all of ABCCM's services, please visit their website at www.abccm.org or call 828-259-5300.
Address
30 Cumberland Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
