Ascension Wisconsin Expands Access to Free Medications Through Dispensary of Hope Program

Ascension Wisconsin is expanding its Dispensary of Hope program to help more individuals access essential medications at no cost, reinforcing the organization's commitment to removing financial barriers and supporting the community's most vulnerable patients.

The Dispensary of Hope is a charitable medication distributor and subsidiary of Ascension, providing free medications to uninsured patients who struggle to afford their prescriptions. Through donated medications from pharmaceutical manufacturers, the program supplies participating pharmacies and clinics nationwide with a consistent source of essential drugs.

Ascension Wisconsin has participated in the program since 2017, helping patients stay healthy and avoid preventable hospitalizations.

To date, Ascension Wisconsin pharmacies have filled more than 50,000 prescriptions valued at nearly $5 million for eligible patients. Expanding the program to additional sites strengthens continuity of care for people managing chronic conditions, acute infections and other medical needs.

With this latest expansion, four additional pharmacies: Ascension Rx - Franklin, Ascension Rx - Elmbrook, Ascension Rx - Ozaukee, and Ascension Rx - Rawson Avenue, are joining the program. They add to five existing locations: Ascension Rx - St. Francis, Ascension Rx - St. Joseph, Ascension Rx - Lake Drive, Ascension Rx - Racine, and Ascension Rx - Wisconsin Avenue, bringing the total to nine sites across SE Wisconsin.

To qualify for Dispensary of Hope, patients must complete an application process, be uninsured and not earn more than 300% of the federal poverty lines. Ascension covers all fees and staffing costs so patients can access the program at no charge.

"We don't want patients to have to choose between buying groceries and life-saving medications," said Mo Kharbat, Vice President of Pharmacy Services for Ascension Wisconsin. "Making critical medications accessible to those in need helps lengthen life, improves health outcomes, and reduces the need for additional care."

Ascension pharmacists play a central role, often seeing patients more frequently than their physicians. Their relationships support education, medication management and connections to community resources, key elements of Ascension Wisconsin's commitment to advancing health equity.

Ascension Rx and the Dispensary of Hope recognize the growing challenges tied to rising prescription drug costs and remain committed to being part of the solution. Last year alone, the Dispensary of Hope helped nonprofit pharmacies and clinics nationwide fill 1.2 million prescriptions for 164,000 patients, more than 3,000 free prescriptions each day.

"This expansion matters because access to medication is not optional care, it is foundational care. When people can stay on prescribed therapies, we see fewer preventable hospital stays and emergency visits," said Daniel Jackson, Ascension Wisconsin CEO. "At Ascension, we are committed to ensuring everyone in our community receives the care they need

Program data shows significant impact, including a 23% reduction in hospital stays and a 35% decrease in emergency department visits among participants.

"Our partnership with the Dispensary of Hope helps us fulfill our Mission by helping patients access medications that support their health, stability and quality of life," said Andrew Santos, Chief Mission Integration Officer, Ascension Wisconsin.

The Dispensary of Hope was recently recognized with the American Pharmacists Association Foundation Pinnacle Award for eliminating barriers to healthcare. Its ongoing collaboration with Ascension, Ascension Rx, and partners nationwide continues to connect patients with the medications they need to heal and thrive.

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