Prescriptions Delivered, Patients Supported: UMass Memorial’s Home Delivery Pharmacy

UMass Memorial Health’s Prescriptions Direct Program delivers medications — and peace of mind — straight to patients’ doors. As an organization, meeting the pharmacy and prescription needs of our patients in a more convenient way has been a long- held goal. When several pharmacies closed in the greater Worcester area, that need became even more urgent, leading to the launch of our home delivery service in March 2025.

“Patients love having prescriptions delivered to their homes, and providers appreciate the continuity of care,” said Jackie Breeds, Director of Retail Pharmacy Services, UMass Memorial Medical Center. For one patient in rural Barre — 22 miles northwest of Worcester — there were no nearby options after local pharmacies closed.

Prescriptions Direct now delivers all his medications to his home, keeping care within our system, and this is just one of many examples of how we’re helping in pharmacy deserts [a community with limited or no access to a pharmacy].”

By September 2025, the program was filling 150 to180 prescriptions a day. Pharmacists provide refill reminders, answer questions during business hours and ensure weekend access through our retail pharmacies.

“With a clear need and an outstanding team, the program moved from business plan to first prescription in just 18 months,” said Dave Mangan, Chief Pharmacy Officer at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

The service benefits older adults, rural residents and patients with complex needs, while easing the workload on our specialty pharmacy so it can focus on unique therapies. In the fall, operations expanded to a permanent facility, which is phasing in automation that will serve patients even more efficiently. Prescriptions Direct also works with UMass Memorial’s Advanced Therapeutics program, supporting patients with weight loss and cardiometabolic conditions while allowing pharmacists to monitor outcomes closely.

Initially focused on the Medical Center, in the future, Prescriptions Direct will continue adding patients and providers throughout the UMass Memorial Health system as well as employees.

“Being able to reach patients in pharmacy deserts has been a nice benefit we hadn’t fully anticipated,” added Dave. “Prescriptions Direct is now a key asset helping us provide better patient care.” •