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Health, Hope, and Healing
from 2024 Annual Report
Health, Hope, and Healing
Charitable Pharmacy Addressing Barriers to Medication Access
By innovatively removing barriers, St. Vincent de Paul’s Charitable Pharmacy continues to ensure healthcare accessibility to our neighbors in need by providing life-saving medications and healthcare services.
In 2024, the pharmacy served 1,805 individuals—a 23% increase from the previous year—and filled 94,752 prescriptions. These prescriptions, valued at $17.2 million, reflect a critical safety net for families burdened by rising inflation and healthcare costs.
“Being a part of the solution is wonderful, but it is tragic that the need is so great,” said Rusty Curington, Vice President of Pharmacy. “Too many of our neighbors are put in a situation where they must choose between rent and medication. We are glad that we were able to grow in 2024 to help meet the need, but we are deeply saddened that the system is so broken.”
In 2024, the Charitable Pharmacy launched several key initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and care. These initiatives were direct results of the Prescribing Hope campaign, the three-year strategic plan that raised $5 million to support the work of our Charitable Pharmacy.
New Milford Location
In March 2024, the pharmacy expanded from serving four counties to eight counties with the opening of a new location in Milford. In its first six months, the Milford pharmacy served 128 neighbors in Clermont, Brown, Adams, Highland, and Clinton counties and filled 4,498 prescriptions for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and COPD.
Equity Rx Initiative
This partnership with Cardinal Health, the fourteenth-highest revenue generator in the nation, is shaping the future of how Ohio Charitable Pharmacies interact with free clinics. Through this two-year pilot program, the Charitable Pharmacy will deliver prescriptions to the clinics and provide patients with medication education through telephone follow-ups. We are designing the model that will change how vulnerable populations throughout Ohio receive the resources they need to manage chronic conditions.
Health Insurance Navigation
Through a partnership with the Ohio Association of Free Clinics, we are grateful to have a Medicaid enrollment specialist on site. Beverly Ramsey plays a pivotal role in helping neighbors transition from our Pharmacy to long-term solutions. In 2024 alone, Beverly helped 188 neighbors successfully enroll in Medicaid, making her the state record holder for Medicaid enrollments.
Transportation Pilot Program
Recognizing transportation as a critical barrier, the pharmacy partnered with Uber Health to provide over 100 neighbors with free rides to access medications and consultations. Although funding for this program has ended, we are actively exploring innovative solutions to address this ongoing need.
“Each innovation brings us closer to a future where no one has to choose between basic needs and essential medication,” said Curington, “but there is still so much work to be done.”
Quick Facts
89% of prescriptions filled with donations
242 pharmacy volunteers served over 26,000 hours
$4.4 million in healthcare costs prevented
