Racers tend to be incredibly healthy people, but it’s not unusual to have an ailment or two that may need medication. Most of us cannot get a year’s supply of medication, nor will you have room in your pack to carry that much medication. This blog is all about how you can have medication without carrying a year’s supply.
1) Packing: Any medications packed in your carry-on should be in its original container with its correct label. Any medication packed in your checked luggage can be stored in Ziploc bags. Have a copy of your prescription with you in case you get a grumpy customs agent.
2) Receiving more medication: an AIM staff member will be meeting you on the field approximately every 3 or 4 months. You will know when those times are. Staff members can bring things to you on the field in order of importance. Medication is the highest importance and computer related items are second. From then on we will pack what we can and send back anything we can’t carry. Have your doctor prepared to write a prescription for someone else to fill. Have someone at home prepared to fill your prescriptions and ship them to AIM.
3) Non-prescription meds: Any non-prescription medications sent to us will be treated just like prescribed medicine and brought to you. Remember, if it’s not a habit of taking it now, it won’t be on the field – BUILD GOOD HABITS!! Non-prescription meds should also be clearly identified if they are in your carry-on.
4) Buying medications overseas: Many medications – both prescription and non-prescription – are available over the counter in other countries. You simply go to the pharmacy and tell them the name of the medication. Most pharmacies overseas sell malaria medication over the counter.
5) Prescription Assistance Program: For those without insurance, you can apply to get medication through the Prescription Assistance Program! Google the name of your medication and find the link to the pharmaceutical company. From there find the application for free or reduced cost of your medication. They usually provide 3 months at a time and then mail order the rest. Put the name of a person who will get that mail order and will mail it to us.
6) Emergencies: If something happens and a teammate is in an emergency situation where they need a specific medication, we can network with other mission agencies and find someone coming near you. However, it may be easier for you to travel to the nearest large city and get medication from there. The important thing is to be prepared and to communicate with us in the office. We can help solve most problems as long as you are talking with us.
7) Allergies: You should know what your teammates are allergic to. That information should be saved somewhere accessible. In case of emergency this is highly valuable information!
8) Depression: It is not unusual for some participants to take depression medications. If someone is taking anti-depressants, that is a medical condition that should be dealt with by medication. At times, we want to over-spiritualize ourselves and treat depression as a lack of faith or spiritual warfare. Though at times these may come in to play, we want to clearly hear God’s voice. God can choose to heal that part of your brain as well! However, it is not a 100% spiritual question. Please do not stop taking medications without clearly knowing from the Lord first.
As I said before… the key to making this work is communication. Talk with us here in the office, talk with your teammates, talk with your family, and talk with your doctor. Keep everyone on the same page.
Before you depart, we need a list in your file here at the office of every medication you are taking with you on the field. Please email that in to [email protected].
