A pregnant woman in Greene County reached out to her pharmacist, Heather Eddy. At eight months along, she was eager to breastfeed but worried about the costs involved. Eddy quickly guided her to the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides financial assistance for such needs.
As a pharmacist at McCracken Pharmacy in Waynesburg, Eddy understands the challenges new parents face. “I often check in on my patients to see how they’re doing,” she said. This personal touch is part of a new initiative called MOMENTUM, launched by Highmark Wholecare, aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare through regular outreach. This initiative connects pharmacies to local resources that can help.
Kelsey Linn, who oversees the program, noted that many patients turn to pharmacists with questions about their health. “Previously, pharmacists weren’t compensated for these interactions,” she explained. But now, they can receive reimbursement, allowing them to offer valuable services beyond just filling prescriptions.
In Pennsylvania, independent pharmacies have a critical role, especially in rural areas where access to doctors can be limited. According to statistics, nearly 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy. Surprisingly, Medicaid beneficiaries visit pharmacies about 35 times a year, while they only visit other healthcare providers four times. This makes pharmacies an excellent access point for additional services.
Stephanie McGrath, from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network, shared that many pharmacies now regularly ask patients about their social needs, helping them connect with resources like local food pantries and transportation services. “This has transformed the relationship between pharmacists and patients,” she mentioned.
EngageRx has already provided services to nearly 11,000 Highmark members and facilitated over 82,000 visits. The most requested service? Medication synchronization, allowing patients to pick up all their medications at once, which simplifies their lives significantly.
Additionally, medication delivery has proven beneficial. Delivery drivers have discovered patients in distress, some needing immediate help after falling or lacking food.
As independent pharmacies face challenges, many have found refuge in programs like EngageRx. McGrath stressed how nimble they can be in addressing community needs. The program also has plans to explore further services, such as screenings for sexually transmitted infections or supporting people in abusive relationships.
In a world where healthcare can often feel overwhelming, pharmacists are stepping up as key players. They not only fill prescriptions but also help bridge gaps in care, making a meaningful difference in their communities.
To learn more, check out the insights from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
