Access to essential medications is crucial for improving the quality of life and health. Ascension Saint Agnes, in collaboration with the Dispensary of Hope, is launching a program to provide our community’s most vulnerable people with access to free medications.
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.
"Our commitment to serve the people of our community, regardless of their ability to pay, has been central to Ascension Saint Agnes since our founding more than 150 years ago," said Beau Higginbotham, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Agnes. "By partnering with the Dispensary of Hope, we are furthering our Mission and ensuring that every member of our community has access to the essential 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 a pharmacy location at the Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital. The Ascension Rx - Saint Agnes Pharmacy works closely with each patient’s care team to provide personalized medication therapies, with focus on listening to patients’ questions and explaining how to safely take medication, especially in combination with other drugs.
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 Maryland, approximately 358,900 residents are uninsured, representing approximately 6.3% of the state's population.
Medications help prevent unnecessary hospital visits by managing health conditions, reducing flare-ups and easing symptoms. Researchers report a 23% decline in inpatient stays among Dispensary of Hope program participants, resulting in $3,161 cost savings per patient, for patients and healthcare delivery overall.
Dispensary of Hope was recognized with the American Pharmacists Association’s Foundation Pinnacle Award in 2024 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.
Learn more about the Ascension Rx - Saint Agnes Pharmacy.
About Ascension Saint Agnes
For more than 150 years, Ascension Saint Agnes has provided personalized, compassionate care to all in the greater Baltimore area. We offer a full range of services through our hospital campus and 30 community locations, including primary, emergency, and advanced specialty care. Ascension Saint Agnes encompasses a 254-bed teaching hospital and Baltimore's first Catholic hospital, founded by the Daughters of Charity in 1862; an extensive network of primary and specialty physicians throughout Baltimore and Howard County; and centers with advanced medical imaging technologies. The Ascension Saint Agnes Foundation raises money to further meet the needs of the community. Ascension Saint Agnes provided more than $63 million in community benefit and uncompensated care in fiscal 2024, and is part of Ascension, one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the United States.
About Dispensary of Hope
Dispensary of Hope is a charitable medication distributor. Through innovative stewardship of the pharmaceutical supply chain, Dispensary of Hope collects and distributes millions of dollars of pharmaceuticals annually to pharmacies and safety-net clinics to dispense to low income, chronically ill patients. Through meaningful partnerships, pharmacies and clinics nationwide can utilize Dispensary of Hope medication to impact the health of their communities by improving access to affordable medication. As the cornerstone of population health initiatives, the Dispensary of Hope program is key to reducing avoidable hospital readmissions and emergency room use that often results from lack of access to affordable medication. Dispensary of Hope is not a pharmacy, does not own or operate pharmacies, and is not patient-facing or dispensing medications directly to patients.
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