Improving access to medicines for South Hill patients

Nine percent of Virginians ages 19 to 64 do not have health insurance, according to a recent report published by the Virginia Health Care Foundation. In order to close this gap, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) Pharmacy Connection program has been working to ensure that its uninsured or uninsured patients have access to affordable medications.

This online program helps reduce some of the barriers to getting needed prescription drugs, medical supplies and eyeglasses.

“One of the main takeaways from this program is that we help meet our patients where they are, by allowing us to address the health divide that exists in our rural community and make the certainty of access to medicine that will make people live better and improve health outcomes,” said Sheldon Barr, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.

How does Pharmacy Connection work?

The Pharmacy Connection program is run by the CMH Foundation. It uses the same name software provided by Rx Relief Virginia, a program funded by the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) that helps Virginians who are uninsured or have chronic medical conditions. chronic to get free or low-cost medicine. The program is made possible by national funds. CMH applied for the grant since 2003, which provides access to information on more than 7,000 medicines.

The program coordinator, Samantha Lewis, BSW, works directly with CMH patients to facilitate the application process. He helps determine eligibility, track refills, and manage reports, which aims to reduce wait times and ensure patients receive the medications they need to maintain their health.

“Many patients receive medications at a reduced rate or free of charge for up to one year,” Lewis said. “Many major classes of drugs are included, dealing with common diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and asthma.”

One of the biggest challenges that the program is trying to solve is overcoming the problems of medical insurance coverage. In her role, Lewis works closely with several patient assistance programs to identify affordable options and provide individualized support.

“I mostly deal with elderly patients and patients with low levels of literacy,” he explained. “Many of the patients I work with directly do not understand complex medical terms, and when I meet them it is the first time that someone takes the time to help them understand their medication process.”

Lewis does not know these tolerant people. Before joining the Pharmacy Connection program, she was a social worker and bereavement coordinator in CMH’s Home Health and Hospice Department and helped patients and their families cope with illness and bereavement, while still managing their symptoms and pain.

“I bring a lot of compassion and working with vulnerable people to this role. Helping people is something I enjoy doing,” said Lewis.

A commitment to help improve access

In early 2024, CMH moved the Pharmacy Connection from the Leggett Center to the CARE building, located next to the hospital. The flexibility of location has allowed patients to easily access these devices at the hospital bedside or in clinical areas prior to discharge and/or discharge.

“The move has had a positive effect in that I can reach patients before they leave the hospital to discuss their options, fill out paperwork and help get their prescriptions, while they are in that area. They go home with one thing to worry about,” Lewis said. Another advantage is that patients can choose to have their medication delivered to their home or to be prescribed at the hospital to ensure easy access.

By running the Pharmacy Connection in the CARE building, Lewis has been able to help nearly double patients get their medications. Since last October, the program has served 142 patients, up from 73 patients last year.

The program also equips providers with the tools to provide cost-effective medications that meet the needs of their patients. Miki Baird, an advanced practice registered nurse at Cardiology Services CMH, said having a program like Pharmacy Connection is “a huge thing for our community.”

“Although some of the medicines we use are natural and very cheap, evidence-based methods and ongoing clinical research confirm some medicines over others. Unfortunately, they are often expensive. a lot,” said Baird, who regularly connects his patients with Lewis. “Through Pharmacy Connection, we are able to provide critical support for residents who cannot always afford expensive medications and improve the lives of our patients.”

Lewis hopes to see further growth in the program by continuing to work with donors and spread the program throughout the hospital. Pharmacy Connection is open to all VCU Health patients regardless of location.

“Pharmacy Connection is not just a pharmacy service, it’s a lifestyle for our patients,” Lewis said.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Eligibility depends on family income and drug manufacturers’ guidelines. CMH’s Pharmacy Connection is run by the CMH Foundation. The number to call for more information or to schedule an appointment is (434) 447-0856.