Announcements Archives - Pharmacy Of Grace

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Gary L. Grunewald: The Advanced Community Pharmacy Rotation at Pharmacy of Grace

November 8, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

November 8, 2024

Kansas City, KS — Pharmacy of Grace is honored to announce the Dr. Gary L. Grunewald Legacy Advanced Community Pharmacy Rotation, named in memory of an esteemed educator and mentor who devoted more than five decades to the training and development of pharmacists and medicinal chemists. Pharmacy of Grace is founded and staffed by many of his former students, and this is a wonderful way for us to honor his memory. Pharmacy of Grace hosted an event Thursday November 7th, 2024 to unveil a plaque and officially name our student rotation program in his honor.

“Dr. Grunewald was more than just our Medicinal Chemistry professor; he was a genuinely kind person who always made time for his students, said Michael Fink, Pharmacy of Grace Vice-President of Clinical Operations and Pharmacist-in-Charge. “You’d often see him around Lawrence, especially at KU sporting events, and always with a friendly smile. I’ll always remember him fondly.”

Pharmacy of Grace founder John Yost also remembers that despite being vision impaired, Dr. Grunewald would perfectly draw chemical structures on the blackboard. He was a significant influence in his field of medicinal chemistry, but also had a positive influence on students’ lives, smiling and greeting them in the hallways. “He taught hundreds of future pharmacists and trained many PhDs who went on to have a significant impact on drug development and research,” said Yost.

Dr. Grunewald has already left a remarkable legacy at the University of Kansas, where he joined the School of Pharmacy in 1966 as one of the pioneering faculty members of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. We continue to honor his memory through this student rotation program, which will continue to inspire future students. Pharmacy of Grace dedicated the plaque in honor of Dr. Grunewald at an event Thursday November 7th.

Dr. Grunewald was more than a professor—he was a leader and a mentor who influenced the pharmacy world on a national scale. His impressive list of accolades speaks to his commitment and expertise. He served as national chairman of the American Chemical Society’s Division of Medicinal Chemistry, was recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, and became a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. His induction into the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame highlights his profound impact on the medicinal chemistry community. In addition, Dr. Grunewald was a founding board member of the Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to educating medicinal chemists.

Upon his passing in 2023 at age 85, Dr. Grunewald’s legacy lived on through the creation of the Gary L. Grunewald Charitable Fund, established through his estate with the Douglas County Community Foundation. This act of generosity continues to support efforts that reflect his values and dedication to pharmacy education, including the work being done at Pharmacy of Grace—a pharmacy proudly founded and staffed by many of his former students. The Dr. Gary L. Grunewald Legacy Advanced Community Pharmacy Rotation is a testament to his vision and his enduring influence on the profession.

Goals of the Rotation Program

This rotation offers an enriching experience for future pharmacists, aligning with the values Dr. Grunewald embodied throughout his career. The program’s objectives include:

Patient-Centered Care: Students will collaborate with patients to create comprehensive, evidence-based care plans that consider social determinants of health, cultural beliefs, and health literacy. These plans will be monitored and adapted to ensure effectiveness and affordability.
Interprofessional Collaboration: Participants will work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, sharing medication-related expertise and communicating effectively with other health professionals to address patient needs.
Pharmacy Operations: The rotation provides practical experience in fulfilling medication orders and overseeing pharmacy operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Professional Development: Students will create and implement a plan for continuous professional growth, emphasizing lifelong learning and professional integrity.
Foundational Skills: The program focuses on cultivating professionalism, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of foundational pharmacy knowledge—qualities Dr. Grunewald instilled in all his students.

Pharmacy of Grace is deeply proud to carry on Dr. Grunewald’s legacy through this rotation. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work was dedicated to improving the profession of pharmacy and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. His impact will continue to resonate for years to come, as students who pass through this program uphold the same high standards he championed throughout his remarkable career.

Here are a few photos from the event. The entire photo album from the event can be found here on our Facebook page. Make sure to like and follow us, and help spread the word about Pharmacy of Grace.

Dr. Gary L. Grunewald Charitable Fund Board of Trustees (from left to right):

Tim Caldwell, Dan Flynn, and Mike Rafferty

Gene Hotchkiss (former Senior Associate Dean of the KU pharmacy school) and wife Kari.

From left to right back row: POG VP of Clinical Operations/Pharmacist-in-Charge Michael Fink, Trustee Tim Caldwell, POG Co-Founder John Yost

From left to right front row: Trustee Dan Flynn, POG Co-Founder Sara Yost, Trustee Mike Rafferty.

The event included unveiling the plaque that marks the official naming of the Pharmacy of Grace rotation program in honor of Dr. Gary L. Grunewald.

Dinah and Apurba Dutta (students of Gary, interim chair and associate professor Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas.)

Watch the video from our event here or on our YouTube page:

Diabetes Awareness Month: Because of Pharmacy of Grace “I can Stay Healthy!”

November 5, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

November 5th

Kansas City, KS — Imagine waking up every day, battling an unseen enemy that drains your energy and clouds your future. For millions of Americans, this is the reality of living with diabetes.

Diane Marquez knows this struggle all too well. She was struggling with constant thirst, fatigue, and sleepless nights. It wasn’t until she found herself in the hospital with a blood sugar level of 500 that she realized the truth: she was diabetic. “This was my wake-up call,” she said. She knew she needed to take charge of her health.

Recognizing Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and at Pharmacy of Grace, every day we see the burden that the cost of diabetes medications can place on patients. Our mission is to alleviate some of that stress by ensuring those in need have access to affordable insulin and medication. We aim to help diabetes patients avoid the difficult choice between purchasing life-saving medication and providing groceries for their families. Our goal is to ensure that all patients can prioritize their health, in an affordable and stress-free way.

Since January 2024, we have dispensed 2,197 diabetic prescriptions to 564 patients. Of these, 1,695 prescriptions (77%) went to 465 patients (82%) living below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). More than half of those prescriptions (57%) were for patients living in extreme poverty (100% below the FPL.)

Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

In people with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin while people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but their bodies don’t use it properly and over time may also produce less insulin. Those with type 1 must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump every day to survive, while type 2 can be treated with lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss, and a healthy diet, as well as medications. Both type 1 and type 2 can lead to serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.

Why is insulin so expensive?

Drug costs are higher in the United States than in any other country. There are a few reasons for this:

Limited competition that makes up 90% of insulin sales
Manufacturing process
Lack of pricing regulation

Generally, prices for drugs decrease within 20 years, but for insulin, prices remain as high as 100 times the cost of production, according to Yale School of Medicine.

Diabetes patients struggle to afford their life-saving medication because of these factors. Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, and according to the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2022, cases of diabetes have risen to approximately 37.3 million.

“If I can afford it, I can stay healthy.”

With the help of a dietitian, insulin, and Metformin, Diane began to learn about proper nutrition and how to manage her condition to be there for her grandchildren. “Listen to your body,” she advised. “Once I started listening, I started loving myself.”

She praises Pharmacy of Grace for helping her be able to afford her medication on an on-going basis. “Pharmacy of Grace is so worth it because I can afford it, and if I can afford it, I can stay healthy,” Diane shared. With support for both uninsured and underinsured patients, Diane emphasized, “If you are underinsured, check out Pharmacy of Grace. They’re very knowledgeable and hand-held me through the process with every form and answered all my questions. Their customer service isn’t just a 10; it’s above and beyond. Everyone is here to serve the patient.” Diane’s journey shows the importance of accessible healthcare and reminds us that sometimes, the first step to healing is simply asking for help.

At Pharmacy of Grace, we’re determined to help those in need and proud to have created affordable plans for uninsured and underinsured patients. Support our mission by donating or spreading the word about our affordable insulin through our Grace Meds Program. Help diabetes patients in need today.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY!

A special opportunity to double your impact when you give to Pharmacy of Grace!

October 16, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

October 17, 2024

Kansas City, KS — At Pharmacy of Grace, our mission has always been clear—making life-saving medications accessible to everyone, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured. We believe that no one should have to choose between their health and their finances. Today, we’re excited to share a special opportunity that will help us make an even bigger impact, and we need your support to make it happen!

Thanks to a generous $50,000 1-to-1 matching gift challenge from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, every donation made to Pharmacy of Grace from now until the end of the year will be doubled! That’s right—every dollar you give will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

Here’s how it works:

A $50 donation becomes $100.
A $500 gift grows into $1,000.
And $1,000 turns into $2,000!

This matching gift challenge gives us the chance to raise $100,000 in total—funds that will directly support the patients who rely on us for their medications. But we’re on a tight deadline. We have until December 31st to raise the full $50,000 and unlock the entire match. Every dollar counts, and we’re counting on supporters like you to help us get there.

Your donation, no matter the size, will go twice as far in ensuring that vulnerable members of our community can get the medication they need. Whether you’re able to give today or closer to the end of the year, your contribution will have double the impact, helping us continue to serve those in need.

At Pharmacy of Grace, we like to say we’re “Making Meds More Accessible.” With this matching gift challenge, we have the opportunity to take that mission even further, and we can’t do it without you.

Donate today to double your impact: pharmacyofgrace.org/donate/

Thank you for your support!

About the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund:

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund has, since its inception, maintained a vision to impact lives, to create sustainable change, and to empower future generations to achieve their greatest potential. The Fund brings that vision to life through grant-making efforts in three program areas: Education, Human Services, and Healthcare. They prioritize programs that have demonstrated success, have measurable outcomes, plans for sustainability, and aim to end cycles of poverty and suffering.

Resolute in the belief in the power of partnerships or collaborative efforts to maximize impact, the Fund embraces opportunities to work with other partners across their key program areas, looking for funding opportunities that share their philosophy and exploring the possibility of joint projects with other nonprofit organizations.

The Fund is managed in accordance with values deeply held by its benefactor, William G. McGowan. Among these are ethical leadership and the belief that every life has equal value. For more information, please visit https://williamgmcgowanfund.org.

September is Hunger Action Month: Food Insecurity Resources

September 4, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

Kansas City, KS — September is Hunger Action Month. Food insecurity is a daily reality for millions across the U.S., but it hits even closer to home here in Kansas City. While 38 million adults and 12 million children nationwide struggle, 1 in 7 people in our own community face barriers to affordable, nutritious food, and 1 in 4 children in KC are caught in this crisis.

According to Mysidewalk data, more than half (56%) of our population are considered to have “low access” to healthy food. This is especially a concern for our patients because many chronic medical conditions can be managed through both medications and a healthy diet.

How can patients get access to healthy food when they’re struggling financially? Here are a few resources:

If you’re one of our patients, you probably already know about the monthly mobile food pantry that comes to our parking lot every first Tuesday of the month 10am – Noon. It is open to anyone in the community. The Resurrection Church FoodMobile also stops at a few other locations in KCK. You can find their schedule here:

https://resurrection.church/currentserveopportunities/hunger/

Many food pantries serve the Wyandotte County area. For a full list, click on this map and find one near you:

https://kansasfoodsource.org/category/help-agency/wyandotte-county/

Kanbe’s Market provides fresh and affordable food in neighborhoods that struggle with food access. Find a Kanbe’s location near you:

https://www.kanbesmarkets.org/healthy-corner-stores

In addition, don’t forget that you can call 2-1-1 to get connected with community resources for everything from emergency food assistance to other community resources.

No one should ever go hungry. Help is just a phone call or click away.

Celebrating our 2nd Anniversary

August 28, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

OUR HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH GRATITUDE AND GRACE

Thank you to our friends and supporters who attended our 2nd Anniversary Celebration.

LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDERS

Pharmacy of Grace is thrilled to be celebrating our second anniversary this summer. Did you know the traditional 2nd-anniversary gift is cotton? It symbolizes both comfort and strength, which is also what we have been offering our patients for the last two years. The comfort we offer is the security of knowing that they can afford their medications without having to choose between their prescriptions and gas in their car or groceries for their family. The strength we offer is the improved quality of life every time they pick up their prescription and keep them on track to a healthier future.

Since we opened in the summer of 2022, we have experienced incredible growth. So far this year, we have filled almost as many prescriptions from January through June as we filled in all of 2023! Back in January, we celebrated our 10,000th prescription filled, andonly seven months later in August we celebrated 20,000 prescriptions filled.

Out of 1,980totalunique patients we have served since we opened, 69% are living below the federal poverty limit.

79.5% of patients are 25-65 years old
60.1% Female / 39.8% Male

The closing of Duchesne Clinic (Caritas) in Wyandotte County contributed to this growth in 2024. When the clinic closed, it sent 250 new patients and 1,000 new prescriptions to us within a few weeks. These patients were uninsured, living in poverty, and some were homeless. Our Grace Meds program was there to help them through this transition and ensure they stayed on their medications.

As we look forward, we know we will continue to grow. We’re prepared for that growth thanks to our exceptional staff. We are also excited about forming new and strengthening current community partnerships throughout the metro to serve patients. We will also be expanding our immunization program to reach more people with our immunization pharmacist hired this year (read more about that below.)

We hope you will continue with us on this journey and support us as we grow to meet the critical needs in our community.

Sincerely,

Sara and John Yost

Founders, Pharmacy of Grace

SEE HOW WE’VE GROWN

You can read our entire second anniversary newsletter here!

If you’d like to sign up to receive our email newsletters (sent quarterly with news and updates) you can sign up here.

Pharmacy of Grace Expanding Immunization Program

August 15, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

Thursday August 15th, 2024

Kansas City, KS—Pharmacy of Grace is excited to announce the expansion of its vaccine services. Thanks to the hiring of a new immunization pharmacist and generous donations, we have expanded this important service for our patients providing Flu, COVID-19, Shingles, and Herpes vaccines.

To expand our ability to offer vaccines, we needed a new medical-grade refrigerator, which some angel donors stepped in to donate. Then the Hartley Family Foundation helped us purchase hundreds of influenza vaccines to further expand our vaccination offerings this fall.

In January 2024, we hired a new immunization pharmacist, Brandon Powers, thanks to the Federal PAVE Grant: Pandemic Assistance and Vaccine Equity Grant project, funded by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) COVID-19 Vaccination Supplemental Funding in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported through the coronavirus response and relief supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

vaccine program: pharmacists giving immunization shots This award will support local efforts to increase vaccine uptake by expanding COVID-19 vaccine programs and ensuring greater equity and access to vaccines by those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including high-risk and underserved populations such as racial and ethnic minorities and rural communities. This award does not directly support research and development.

This Pandemic Assistance and Vaccine Equity Grant program, awarded as subgrant number PAVE-71, is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $83,570,217. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor any endorsed by the CDC, HHS, the US Government or the office of the Kansas governor. For more information please visit www.cdc.gov (Revision 6/9/2023)

Grace Meds Patients ages 6 to 64 years old (patients without insurance) can qualify for free flu vaccines while supplies last. Other vaccines may be free or low cost for patients with Medicare or other insurance.

These grants and awards combined are helping us expand our ability to provide many life-saving vaccines, such as Flu, Shingles, COVID-19, and Herpes vaccinations. Brandon Powers will attend events and visit underserved communities, making sure that everyone who wants access to vaccines can get them and helping them overcome transportation and access barriers.

Pharmacy of Grace Selected as Recipient of United Way’s Impact 100 Grant

May 15, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

May 15, 2024 – Pharmacy of Grace is thrilled to announce that we have been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious United Way Impact 100 grant. As an organization that is not even two years old yet, we are honored to be joining the respected local non-profits on this list of grant recipients.

This recognition by United Way of Greater Kansas City reaffirms our commitment to providing better access to medication and improved overall health to under-resourced people in our community and marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a healthier, more resilient Greater Kansas City.

The Impact 100 grant program is a cornerstone initiative of United Way, designed to identify and invest in the most vital health and human service organizations making a difference in our region. United Way’s rigorous selection process involved the review of applications by a diverse panel of 100 community and business leaders, who evaluated organizations based on their demonstrated impact, outcomes, and fiscal responsibility. After thorough deliberation, Pharmacy of Grace emerged as one of the standout organizations poised to effect meaningful change in the Kansas City area.

At Pharmacy of Grace, our mission is clear: to ensure that every individual has access to the medications and health resources they need to thrive. Receiving the Impact 100 grant not only provides us with vital financial support but also signifies an endorsement of our vision and impact within the community. With this funding, we will be able to expand our reach, enhance our services, and make an even greater difference in the lives of those we serve.

We are grateful to United Way of Greater Kansas City for their belief in our mission. Together, we are united in our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for all residents of Kansas City.

Annual Report: 2023

March 4, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

March 4, 2024 (Kansas City, KS) — Pharmacy of Grace is pleased to present our annual report for 2023. The data here will reveal the progress and accomplishments made possible since we opened in the summer of 2022. The data illustrates our growth and commitment to our community all made possible because of our strong team of employees, our supportive and engaged board of directors, and our community funders and supporters.

We’re celebrating accomplishments but also looking forward to the possibilities ahead of us as we explore more ways to meet the needs of our community. We value your continued partnership in our pursuit of health equity, and appreciate you for helping make the vision of Pharmacy of Grace become a reality.

Here is a link to our 2023 annual report:

PoG Annual Report-FINAL (1)

Community Art Project Installed

March 4, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

Monday, March 4, 2024

Kansas City, KS — Back in September, we partnered with EPIC Clay Studio in Strawberry Hill KCK to work on a community art project. We asked our supporters to paint tiles for us when they came to the pharmacy for a tour, and then we asked community members to paint the rest of the tiles at the September Third Friday Artwalk. People of all ages painted tiles, and even Mayor Garner painted a tile. We reminded anyone who said “I’m not artistic” that EPIC stands for Every Person Is Creative.

The end result of this community art project is now on display in the pharmacy. It’s a mosaic of talent and creativity that the lovely people at Epic put together for us, including hand-carving our logo into it. We are honored to have such wonderful neighbors who support our vision and mission of making good health accessible to all.

Pharmacy of Grace has long believed that art is an important part of our vision. Our organization’s Mission Statement in Support of Art:

“In line with Pharmacy of Grace’s values of honoring the dignity of all people and improving the health of our community, we also want to lift the spirits of all those who enter our building. We know of no better way to do that than by sharing art that brightens someone’s day. Our pharmacy’s vision is to provide hope, often at dark times. Art often has that impact as well. Therefore, we strive to support local artists and the arts by highlighting their work in our pharmacy.”

Thank you Epic and all our neighbors/friends at the art walk who helped make this happen. Stop by the pharmacy to come see it for yourself!

Pharmacy of Grace staff in front of the tile art project

Epic Arts community art project has been installed in the Pharmacy of Grace lobby.

State-of-the-Art Robotics Technology Helps Pharmacy of Grace Meet Increasing Demand

February 19, 2024/in Announcements/by Pharmacy of Grace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday February 19th, 2024

Kansas City, KS – As the need for affordable medication continues to increase at Kansas City’s only charitable pharmacy, Pharmacy of Grace is turning to technology to meet demand. The CRS 225 (Compact Robotic System) is a robot that can fill 150 vials an hour. The improved efficiency also frees up the pharmacists’ time to provide in-depth healthcare and medication guidance.

Why A Robot?

Prescription volume at Pharmacy of Grace has increased 160% in the last year. Our staff also has the added challenge of managing inventory from five different sources, including donated medications that can only be used for patients at certain income levels. This takes a lot of our staff’s time maintaining the inventory, so we turned to donors to ask for their support in order to purchase this state-of-the-art technology to improve efficiency.

The CRS 225 is a reliable and accurate prescription dispensing system that automates repetitive tasks and reduces the risk of human error or cross-contamination. It also sorts the medication inventory to accurately track when donated medications were used and makes sure the pharmacy is a good steward of our donations.

Pharmacy staff use barcodes throughout the process to ensure quality control and will oversee the dispensing process from prescription entry to verification of the finished product. CRS 225 prints all the labels but delivers the uncapped medications for the pharmacy staff’s final inspection and verification.

About the Donors

Pharmacy of Grace purchased the robot from Kansas City-based ScriptPro. The purchase was made possible thanks to funding from The H & R Block Foundation, The Sunderland Foundation, Dunn Family Foundation, Vivian and Hymie J. Sosland Charitable Trust, the Breidenthal-Snyder Community Fund, and other anonymous donors.

Healthcare Counseling

One of the founding principles at Pharmacy of Grace is the pharmacists’ role in addressing patients’ healthcare needs. Pharmacists see patients 12 times more often than their primary care provider (on average), and this is why Pharmacy of Grace offers one-on-one counseling to ensure patients understand what medications they are taking, why they need the medication, and how to take it correctly.

In addition to Spanish-speaking staff, Pharmacy of Grace has a translation service available to help overcome language barriers to ensure patients understand their medications regardless of their primary language.

The CRS 225 robot frees up more of our pharmacists’ time to have these one-on-one counseling sessions to improve patients’ understanding of their medications, which improves adherence and ultimately leads to improved health outcomes for patients.

##

More About Pharmacy of Grace

Pharmacy of Grace is a 501c(3) nonprofit in Wyandotte County, Kansas, which opened in July 2022. The pharmacy’s location near I-635 and Minnesota is an area of tremendous social and healthcare need, with 30-40% of residents uninsured and the highest number of people living in poverty in the Kansas City Metro.

The Purpose of Pharmacy of Grace, Inc. is to break the cycle of homelessness, poverty, school absentee days, and unemployment caused by unmanaged medical conditions. Many chronic medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, COPD, bipolar, and migraines) often go unmanaged, which eventually can cause people to seek costly medical care and possible emergency hospitalization.

The Mission of Pharmacy of Grace is to improve access to prescription medication for uninsured and underinsured individuals and to increase the number of prescription medications available to vulnerable populations in Kansas.

Watch our video about the robot here: https://youtu.be/9XtWzSbvttI