Feature Story on KSHB

5/23/22 KSHB TV Feature
New charitable pharmacy coming to Kansas City, Kansas, this summer

As highlighted in a recent KSHB 41 article, Pharmacy of Grace is gearing up to open its doors in Kansas City, Kansas, this summer, with a clear mission: to make essential prescription medications accessible to our uninsured and underinsured neighbors.

The article shed light on the significant health disparities within our state, noting the challenges faced by residents in Wyandotte County regarding health outcomes and access to care. For many, simply filling a doctor’s prescription can be a complex hurdle, especially without insurance, with inadequate coverage, or when facing language barriers. Pharmacy of Grace is determined to change that narrative.

Inspired by the powerful words of Jesus in Matthew 25 – “When I was thirsty, you gave me drink, and when I was sick, you took care of me” – our board member, John Yost, articulated the driving force behind this endeavor: to care for people by removing limitations to accessing necessary healthcare. A significant limitation, as the article points out, is the high percentage of uninsured individuals in our immediate area (30-40%), directly impacting their ability to afford prescription medications.

The story featured Rubiselda Velazquez, a local resident managing diabetes and high blood pressure who struggles to afford the medications she truly needs, even resorting to emergency room visits. Her story underscores the urgent need for an organization like Pharmacy of Grace.

Beyond just affordability, Pharmacy of Grace is also tackling the critical issue of medication adherence. Shockingly, national statistics reveal that half of all prescriptions aren’t taken correctly. To combat this, Pharmacy of Grace, with pharmacist-in-charge Michael Fink at the helm, will prioritize in-depth, sit-down consultations with every patient, offering translation services when needed. This dedicated patient-pharmacist interaction aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and understanding necessary to manage their health effectively.

While Pharmacy of Grace is not a free clinic, the team is committed to working with individuals to make prescription medications less intimidating and more affordable. Targeting a mid-July opening, we’re eagerly anticipating the opportunity to serve our community and bridge the gap in access to vital healthcare. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to opening our doors and fulfilling our mission of grace and care for Kansas City, Kansas!