Kansas City Police Investigate Break-Ins At Nonprofit Pharmacy

In a troubling series of events, the Mercy and Truth Ministry Medical Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, has been targeted by burglars twice within two weeks. The break-ins, which occurred at the Pharmacy of Grace located within the clinic, have raised concerns about safety and security for both staff and patients.

Key Takeaways

Two break-ins occurred at the Pharmacy of Grace in November.
The suspects escaped with approximately $2,000 in petty cash.
No medications were stolen, as the pharmacy does not carry narcotics.
The clinic serves uninsured patients and operates on a sliding payment scale.
Community support is sought to enhance security measures.

Details Of The Break-Ins

The first break-in took place on November 7, followed by another incident on November 17. In both cases, the suspects forced their way through the front door of the building. The most recent burglary occurred around 1 a.m. on a Sunday, where the glass door was shattered to gain access to the pharmacy.

Michael Fink, the pharmacist and vice president of clinical operations, witnessed the break-ins through surveillance footage on his phone. He expressed his dismay, stating, "It’s disheartening to watch it happen … now people can’t come in and are disrupted in getting their medications."

Impact On The Community

The burglaries have not only caused financial damage—estimated at around $5,000—but have also disrupted services for the community. The Pharmacy of Grace, a nonprofit entity, is a vital resource for many residents, particularly those with limited or no insurance. The clinic serves approximately 40 patients daily, providing essential medical care on a sliding payment scale based on federal poverty guidelines.

Fink emphasized the importance of community safety, saying, "Our employees’ safety is important to us. Our patient safety is important to us. We have great concerns for this community."

Responses From Leadership

Brent Morris, the CEO of Mercy and Truth, acknowledged the challenges posed by the burglaries but remained optimistic. He stated, "You roll with the punches … we know God’s in control. We might lose the battle, but God’s going to win the war. It’s going to be us with the Lord."

Both Fink and Morris have expressed a desire for community support to enhance security measures at the clinic. Donations are being sought to help fortify the building against future incidents.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, Kansas City, Kansas, police have not made any arrests related to the break-ins. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community remains hopeful for a resolution and is rallying to support the clinic during this challenging time.

The Mercy and Truth Ministry continues to focus on its mission of providing healthcare to those in need, despite the setbacks caused by these criminal acts. The resilience of the staff and their commitment to serving the community remains strong, as they navigate the aftermath of these unfortunate events.