KSHB News Report: Nearly 300 Patients Served in Shawnee Just One Month In

We opened the doors of our Shawnee location on July 15th. By mid-August, we had already served nearly 300 patients.

KSHB 41 reporter Elyse Schoenig came to Shawnee this week and met a remarkable patient with quite a story to share.

KSHB Reporter Interviewing POG Patient

Angela’s Story

A year and a half ago, Angela almost died from a bad infection. After more than two months in the hospital and a lengthy recovery, she lost her job and her insurance. What followed was a reality that far too many of our neighbors know firsthand: the impossible choice between medications and everything else.

“The prescription has to wait,” she said.

When she discovered Pharmacy of Grace, she said her costs were cut by more than half and the math that used to be impossible is no longer something she has to worry about.

“I can have my medication, and I can take care of myself,” she said.

Angela’s story is not unusual. Data shows six in ten adults worry about affording their prescriptions. We see that reality walk through our doors every day.

KSHB Interviews Dr. Michael Fink

The Numbers Behind the Mission

One month. Nearly 300 patients in Shawnee alone. And that’s just the beginning.

As President and CEO Michael Fink told KSHB, the savings for some patients are dramatic. “Some of our patients have come in where they would be paying probably $900 to $1,400 per month, and we’re probably getting them out the door for $10 or less,” he said.

The decision to open in Shawnee was deliberate. “Even though people think of Johnson County as being very affluent, there are pockets where that prescription assistance is needed.”

Dr. Fink also reiterated that Pharmacy of Grace serves everyone — insured, underinsured, and uninsured. The pharmacy funds its low-cost prescription program through donations, grants and revenue from filling prescriptions for fully insured patients. When you bring your prescriptions to us, you are directly supporting a neighbor’s ability to afford theirs.

What Comes Next

Michael also shared something that speaks to the scope of the need across the region: Pharmacy of Grace has already identified up to ten other areas locally where its services are needed. Shawnee is not the finish line. It is the next step.

We are grateful to KSHB and reporter Elyse Schoenig for continuing to cover this mission with such care — and to Angela for sharing her story so openly. Watch the full segment on KSHB’s website here. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from what we do, our Shawnee and KCK locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at PharmacyofGrace.org.