Ascension Florida, in collaboration with the Dispensary of Hope, is launching a program to provide our community’s most vulnerable with access to free medications.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside established their Dispensary of Hope program to provide access to free medications in 2024 and have provided 929 prescriptions to 196 eligible low-income, uninsured patients. Due to the program’s success, it is expanding to serve patients of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola.
With Florida's uninsured rate higher than the national average, this initiative is crucial in bridging the healthcare gap. Dispensary of Hope, operated by Ascension, coordinates with pharmaceutical manufacturers to distribute donated medications to those in need. In the past year, Dispensary of Hope provided medications for nonprofit pharmacies and clinics across the nation. This network of nonprofits filled 1.2 million prescriptions nationwide for 164,000 patients, delivering more than 3,000 free prescriptions every day.
“Founded over a century ago, Sacred Heart and St. Vincent’s have always been dedicated to serving our community, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Don King, President & CEO of Ascension Florida. “Our partnership with the Dispensary of Hope continues this Mission, ensuring that everyone in our community receives the healthcare they need.”
Ascension Rx pharmacies are key partners in the Dispensary of Hope program, aiding in the distribution of donated medications. Ascension Rx operates four locations across Florida. Two are in Northwest Florida. One is on the main Sacred Heart campus and another at 4501 N. Davis Highway. Two are in Northeast Florida, on the campuses of St. Vincent’s Riverside and Southside.
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. In 2023, more than 2 million Floridians were uninsured, representing 10.7% of the state's population. This figure is higher than the national uninsured rate of 8%.
Medications help prevent unnecessary hospital visits by managing health conditions, reducing flare-ups and easing symptoms. Dispensary of Hope has reported a 50% reduction in hospital stays and a 35% decrease in ER visits.
Dispensary of Hope was recognized with the American Pharmacists Association’s Foundation Pinnacle Award last fall for its efforts to eliminate barriers to healthcare. Their collaborative work with Ascension, Ascension Rx, and other healthcare partners ensures that individuals facing financial hardships continue to receive the care they deserve, transforming lives and improving health outcomes.
