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Fox 4 Covers Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Shawnee, KS — We are incredibly grateful to Scott Kilbury and Fox 4 KC for visiting our brand-new Shawnee location on 75th Street to cover our official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony!
The segment beautifully captured our mission to provide affordable, life-saving medications to uninsured and underinsured families across Kansas.
Highlighting the Need in Johnson County
Co-founder John Yost discussed the critical need that drove our expansion into a second Kansas location. Our original KCK pharmacy has served the community for four years, and growing to the point we knew we needed to expand. We were already delivering medications to patients at the Mercy and Truth Healthcare Ministry location in Shawnee, so the expansion there just made sense.
As John explained to Fox 4:
“The reality is there are more uninsured in Johnson County than in Wyandotte County. Right around the corner from here, within walking distance, there are 2,000 uninsured.”
Real Impact: Kerri’s Story
The Fox 4 segment also spotlighted the real-world impact through the story of Kerri Neighbors. After being laid off and losing her health insurance, Kerri found herself on a fixed income and facing an impossible $850 bill for post-hospitalization medications.
“I would not be alive if it weren’t for them because I couldn’t afford my medicines,” Kerri shared.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on grants, donations, and a unique community partnership: we accept insured patients, too.
When patients with health insurance fill their regular prescriptions with us, the funds we receive from insurance companies go directly toward covering the cost of medications for neighbors like Kerri who have nowhere else to turn.
Thank you again to Fox 4 KC for helping us share our story, and to everyone who came out to celebrate this next chapter with us!
You can see the entire story on the Fox 4 KC Website.
Annual Report: 2025
April 27, 2026 (Kansas City, KS) — Pharmacy of Grace is proud to share our 2025 Annual Report, a snapshot of another year of growth, community impact, and an exciting new chapter on the horizon.
In 2025, we served 2,079 unique patients (an almost 8% increase over the prior year) and recorded 21,490 patient encounters. Behind every one of those numbers is a neighbor who received not just a prescription, but a conversation, a consultation, and the kind of care that keeps people out of the emergency room and managing their health with confidence.
We achieved a 94% prescription pickup rate, far exceeding national averages, which is a direct result of our team’s commitment to removing barriers of cost, language, and confusion. Generous donations fueled both a growth in our immunization program and also an exciting new Blood Pressure Cuff Campaign that exceeded expectations, enabling us to distribute 94 cuffs to patients managing hypertension.
As we look ahead, we are thrilled to be opening a second full-service pharmacy in Shawnee, Kansas, transitioning from a delivery-only model to a permanent pharmacy home for Johnson County residents who need us most. This expansion is made possible by the generosity of our donors and supporters, including the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund who once again offered a matching gift challenge grant.
Every number in this report represents a person whose life has been changed through access to life-saving medications and care. We are deeply grateful for the support of our staff, board, donors, and community partners who make this work possible.
Thank you for being part of our mission. Together we’re #MakingMedsMoreAccessible.
Read the full 2025 Annual Report here: Phamacy of Grace 2025 Report
Annual Report Cover Page 2026
Giving That Gives Back: A Living Legacy
Kansas City, KS – At Pharmacy of Grace, we are deeply moved when donors not only believe in our mission but choose to see their impact firsthand. Sally and Gene recently came on a tour at Pharmacy of Grace so they could do just that. Rather than waiting until they pass to distribute charitable donations, they are taking the “living legacy” approach: donating to causes close to their hearts while they can see the results and hear the stories of those they have helped.
Sally and Gene
Pharmacy of Grace is honored to be their first “living legacy” donation. Their connection to us runs deep: Gene attended seminary in the very building we now call home, and Sally, a retired RN with a background in behavioral health, understands the devastating effects of going without medication. On a recent tour, she shared that the patient stories we presented gave her chills. “People should never have to choose between food and medicine,” she said.
One of the stories we told them was about Sandra, who came to Pharmacy of Grace during a difficult season of her life. After being laid off from her job, Sandra found herself in a coverage gap: too young for Medicare, but unable to afford her essential maintenance medications. At a traditional pharmacy, one prescription alone would have cost her $50. Here, she was able to get what she needed for a fraction of the cost. Now that she has Medicare, she still fills her prescriptions with us because she knows her choice helps pay it forward and keeps care affordable for others.
The couple’s generosity and Sandra’s gratitude are two sides of the same coin, both rooted in a spirit of giving that ensures no one in our community has to go without the medication they need. For Sally and Gene, living legacy giving means they can be a part of those stories now, not just in memory, and they can witness how their generosity is changing lives.
If you’ve ever thought about the kind of difference you’d like to make as a part of your legacy, consider following their example. Come in for a tour and see how your support makes a difference. There is something profoundly rewarding about knowing your gift is already at work, bringing health, hope, and dignity to your neighbors.
Contact us today to plan a living legacy or other gift.
Watch Sandra’s story here to see how your gifts make an impact on peoples’ lives:
Look who is Gracing the Cover of KU Alumni Magazine!
We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with our community! Pharmacy of Grace is featured on the FRONT PAGE in the latest issue of the KU Alumni Magazine!
This extensive article highlights the inspiring journey of our co-founders, John and Sara Yost, and the entire team, in establishing Pharmacy of Grace. It delves into our unique approach to providing affordable and effective medications, prioritizing genuine patient connections, and fostering a truly compassionate environment, all while upholding the highest standards of professional care. The article truly captures the heart of our mission and the dedication of our many KU-trained pharmacists (including Michael Fink and Brandon Powers who were college roommates!)
We are so proud to have our commitment to serving the community and transforming healthcare recognized in such a prominent way by the University of Kansas. This cover story feature is a testament to the hard work, passion, and belief in a better way to provide pharmacy services to those who need it most.
Ready to dive deeper into our story? We invite you to read the full article and learn more about what makes Pharmacy of Grace so special. Rock Chalk!
Read more here:
https://kansasalumnimagazine.org/magazine-article/pharmacy-of-grace-kansas-city/
Caring for Women’s Health: A Partnership with the SkillBuilders Fund
At Pharmacy of Grace, we are honored to be among this year’s SkillBuilders Fund grant recipients. This generous gift, awarded on behalf of the SkillBuilders Fund Board of Directors, will directly support our efforts to provide life-saving medications to women and girls in Wyandotte County living below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
About the SkillBuilders Fund
The SkillBuilders Fund is a private foundation committed to helping women and girls in the Kansas City region realize their full potential. With a focus on education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, the fund supports programs that promote self-sufficiency and long-term success. By removing barriers and creating new opportunities, they are helping organizations like ours build stronger, healthier communities.
You can view this year’s full list of grant recipients here.
A Growing Need
The need for affordable healthcare access for women continues to grow. In 2024, 63% of Pharmacy of Grace patients were women, a 3% increase from the previous year. Even more notably, the number of prescriptions filled for female patients more than doubled, signaling a rising demand for affordable medication.
We also saw a 5% increase in the number of low-income women accessing our services. These numbers represent more than just statistics. They reflect real people—women who are choosing their health and well-being, often for the first time in a long while.
Pharmacist Kari Duede has seen first hand the joy on a patient’s face when they realize they can finally afford their medication and prioritize their health. “As a working mom, I know how important it is to have support. At Pharmacy of Grace, we are making medications more accessible and affordable, to help women care for themselves, and their families,” Duede said. “When access to medicine isn’t a barrier, women can live fuller, healthier lives, which in turn benefits the community as a whole.”
A Patient Story: Dawn Michelle
Dawn Michelle’s story highlights what accessible, compassionate care can do. After becoming unemployed due to a medical condition, she found herself in a difficult gap without health coverage. Finding Pharmacy of Grace offered her some much-needed relief. Our knowledgeable and friendly team helped her manage her medication costs during an incredibly challenging time.
Even after qualifying for disability assistance, Dawn still turns to us for help. When her benefits don’t fully cover her complex medication regimen, our staff works to find affordable options. For patients like Dawn, this support is more than helpful—it’s life-changing.
Our Community Impact
Many of the people we serve come through our partner organization, Mercy and Truth Medical Missions. As their contracted pharmacy, we help ensure that patients receive consistent, affordable care. Together, we are making meaningful strides toward health equity in our community.
Thank You
To the SkillBuilders Fund, thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the health and stability of women and girls in Wyandotte County. Your support is creating real change, one patient at a time.
Debunking Vaccine Myths: Why People with High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Need to Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are one of the most safe and effective ways to prevent serious illness, yet myths and misinformation often keep people from getting the protection they need. Many people have never experienced a major outbreak of the many, once-deadly diseases that have been eliminated in the United States due to vaccines. As vaccine hesitancy and complacency grows, the risk of re-emergence of these diseases increases.
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, staying up to date on vaccinations is especially important.
Why Vaccines Matter for People with High Blood Pressure & Diabetes
Research shows that people with chronic conditions are at a higher risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. For example:
- The Flu: Individuals with diabetes are three times more likely to be hospitalized from the flu.
- Pneumonia: People with hypertension have a higher risk of serious lung infections that can lead to hospitalization.
- COVID-19: Those with high blood pressure or diabetes face a significantly higher risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19.
Let’s talk about a few of the misconceptions about vaccines.
Myth #1: Vaccines are Only for Children
Fact: While vaccines play a crucial role in childhood health, they are just as important for adults, especially those with underlying health conditions. Certain illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, can be more severe in adults, especially adults with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Staying vaccinated reduces the risk of serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death.
Myth #2: If I Manage My Condition with Medications, I Don’t Need Vaccines
Fact: Even if your blood pressure or blood sugar is well-controlled, these conditions still weaken your immune system and increase your vulnerability to infections. A simple cold or flu can escalate into something far more dangerous, such as pneumonia or sepsis. Vaccination provides an extra layer of defense, reducing the likelihood of severe illness.
Myth #3: Vaccines Can Make Me Sick
Fact: Some people worry that vaccines will give them the illness they’re meant to prevent. However, vaccines contain either inactive or weakened viruses that cannot cause the disease. While some people may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or a low-grade fever, these symptoms are far less severe than the actual disease itself. Additionally, the “sick feeling” you experience is actually your body learning how to fight the disease.
Myth #4: Many ingredients in vaccines are dangerous
Fact: Many of the ingredients in vaccines that some people are concerned about occur naturally. They are included in vaccines in lower concentrations than are found in our daily food intake. Formaldehyde is essential to human metabolism and energy building. A pear contains 60x more formaldehyde than is found in any vaccine. Polysorbate 80 is a stabilizer in many vaccines and in many foods that we consume every day, such as peanut butter and ice cream. Aluminum helps boost the immune response to vaccines. Higher levels are found in breastmilk, fruits, vegetables, and meats because it is the 3rd most abundant element on earth.
Which Vaccines Should You Get?
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, here are some key vaccines recommended by health experts:
- Flu vaccine (annually) to reduce the risk of severe influenza complications.
- COVID-19 vaccine (as recommended by health authorities, including booster doses) to protect against severe illness and hospitalization.
- Pneumococcal vaccine (one-time, usually at age 50+, with possible booster for certain individuals) to prevent pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
- Shingles vaccine (two-dose series, usually recommended at age 50+) to lower the risk of painful shingles outbreaks.
- Tdap vaccine (once every 10 years) to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Vaccines Offered at Pharmacy of Grace
We offer vaccines at Pharmacy of Grace in KCK Monday through Friday 9am until 3pm. Shawnee vaccinations are available Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9am until 3pm (but may require advanced notice since vaccines are mostly stored in KCK)
- Flu vaccine – available for walk-in patients anytime
- COVID-19 vaccine – currently still have walk-in availability (call to verify)
- Pneumococcal vaccine – available for walk-in patients
- Shingles vaccine – call to verify availability
- Tdap vaccine – call to verify availability
Take Action: Protect Your Health Today
Your health is worth protecting. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you. Vaccination is a simple yet powerful way to stay healthy, avoid hospital visits, and continue enjoying life without unnecessary health risks.
Annual Report: 2024
March 26, 2025 (Kansas City, KS) — Pharmacy of Grace is proud to share our 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the continued growth and impact of our work in providing affordable medications and essential healthcare services to our community.
This past year, we saw a significant rise in the number of patients we serve, particularly those facing financial hardship. More than 64% of our patients live below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, up from 53% in the previous year. We also saw a major increase (7,110%) in vaccinations for uninsured and low-income patients because of the strategic expansion of our immunization program, ensuring greater access to preventive care.
Every number in this report represents a person whose life has been changed through access to life-saving medications and care. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our staff, board, donors, and community partners who make this work possible.
Thank you for being part of our mission to advance health equity in our community. Together we’re #MakingMedsMoreAccessible
Read the full 2024 Annual Report here: Pharmacy of Grace Digital Report
A special opportunity to double your impact when you give to 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.
Popularity of weight loss medications impact diabetes patients
May 30, 2024 – KSHB Channel 41 talked to several experts about heightened interest in certain diabetes medications that also help with weight loss. Pharmacist-In-Charge Michael Fink explained how the supply shortages are impacting our patients:
“When we’re trying to supply a patient with these medications and they’re not available, moving to an affordable product isn’t always an option for them,” Fink said.
You can read or watch KSHB’s in-depth report HERE.
