For over two decades, Quincy Medical Group’s (QMG) Bridge the Gap to Health Race has brought people from near and far together to support local patients to help them afford their prescription medications.
After last year’s race went virtual due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 Bridge the Gap to Health Race was back in-person this year raising a total of $50,418.14 for the Quincy Catholic Charities’ MedAssist program. On July 26, race organizers with QMG presented a check to representatives from Quincy Catholic Charities. Since the race began, the event has raised more than $930,000 for MedAssist, which has been used to access nearly 59,000 prescriptions.
“For 21 years, Bridge the Gap has provided an opportunity to gather together in the spirit of helping others,” said QMG Director of Community Relations Morgan Parker. “After a year of a virtual-only race, it was so special to be together again to help those who rely on the MedAssist program for their lifesaving prescriptions.”
Quincy Catholic Charities Area Director Jackie Bruns said, “Quincy Catholic Charities is humbled to accept the proceeds from the Bridge the Gap to Health Race for the 21st year. Following a tough fundraising year due to COVID, we are elated to receive such a large amount! What a blessing this race is to Quincy Catholic Charities and to each and every client who has received assistance through the MedAssist Program,” Bruns said. “We are so grateful to Quincy Medical Group, all the major sponsors, the race participants, and the dedicated volunteers for ‘bridging the gap’ for so many people in our community.
In addition to raising funds for MedAssist, race participants were also asked to bring a canned food item. A total of 417 pounds of food were collected and donated to five local food pantries.
“Food insecurity is a growing unmet need in our community, and we were so grateful for all those who supported us in assisting our local food pantries in their mission to help,” said Parker.