The FARMacy program is a unique initiative designed to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits among patients with chronic diet-related diseases. Selected participants receive a 15-week prescription for fresh produce, redeemable at a pop-up farmers market hosted by a local grower each week.
The program event was launched by RCBC staff, dedicated volunteers, and representatives from the WVU Greenbrier County Extension Office. Extension agents and participating farmers provided valuable guidance on proper produce selection and preparation, empowering participants to make the most of their FARMacy experience.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response to this year’s FARMacy program,” said Amy Jasperse, RPh, CDCES, CCMS (Organizer of the event and head of the Culinary Medicine and Diabetes Education programs at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic). “Doubling our enrollment demonstrates the growing need for such initiatives, and we’re excited to witness the positive impact it will have on our patients’ health.”
RCBC extends a heartfelt thank you to all the patients, dedicated volunteers, and collaborating partners whose contributions make the FARMacy program possible. These include the WVU Greenbrier County Extension Office, Mako Medical Lab, Vandalia Health, On The Levels Farm, Bootstraps Farm, Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, and many more.
The original program started in 2014 at a clinic in Wheeling. The course has been so successful that multiple FARMacy programs operate at hospitals and clinics around West Virginia. In addition to Greenbrier County, they now operate at 36 locations in 28 counties.
About the Robert C. Byrd Clinic:
The FARMacy program is one of many initiatives designed to promote preventative care and empower patients to live healthier lives. Robert C. Byrd Clinic is a comprehensive not-for-profit Rural Health Clinic committed to providing outstanding healthcare to the residents of the Greenbrier Valley and surrounding counties. This clinic is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and has been recognized for organizational excellence by the West Virginia Rural Health Association. For more information, visit rcbclinic.org.
