Pharmacy of Grace on KC Cares radio

11/4/22  – KC Cares Radio

Pharmacy of Grace Supports Uninsured and Underinsured in Kansas City

John Yost (co-founder and board chair) talks about how Pharmacy of Grace got its start and how we’re helping our community access life-saving medications.

Summary of the conversation:

Pharmacy of Grace, a new non-profit pharmacy in Kansas City, Kansas (KCK), is addressing the critical issue of medication affordability and adherence for the uninsured and underinsured. Founded by John Yost, a former pharmaceutical professional turned pastor, the pharmacy aims to increase access to medications and provide crucial one-on-one counseling to ensure patients understand their prescriptions and how to take them correctly.

National statistics highlight that a significant percentage of prescriptions go unfilled or are taken incorrectly, leading to billions of dollars in preventable healthcare costs. Wyandotte County, with its high poverty rate, faces this challenge acutely. Pharmacy of Grace is the only known free-standing charitable pharmacy in Kansas and partners with organizations like Dispensary of Hope to obtain medications at nominal costs, which are then passed on to patients at affordable prices.

The pharmacy prioritizes creating a welcoming and supportive environment, with bilingual staff and translation services available to break down language barriers. Their primary focus is on uninsured individuals aged 18 to 64, a demographic often lacking access to affordable medication. They also assist the underinsured who face high co-pays.

Beyond dispensing medications, Pharmacy of Grace emphasizes patient education through individual counseling rooms where pharmacists explain medication usage, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence. This personalized approach aims to combat the alarming rates of medication non-adherence.

While currently operating during daytime hours, Pharmacy of Grace is exploring ways to expand accessibility for working individuals as their patient volume grows. They rely on publicity, community outreach, and word-of-mouth to reach those in need. The public can support their mission by using Pharmacy of Grace for their own prescriptions (insured or uninsured) and by volunteering their time. More information can be found at pharmacyofgrace.org.

The biggest lesson learned in establishing the non-profit has been the complexity of managing multiple drug inventories from various donation sources and navigating different pricing structures. Despite these challenges, the reward comes from witnessing patients regain their health and livelihoods thanks to access to affordable medication and proper guidance.