The region’s first free and charitable pharmacy, St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy, opened Thursday, July 18, 2024, with a ribbon cutting event. The pharmacy is located beside the Health Wagon offices at 5626 Patriot Drive, Wise, VA. The pharmacy serves the entire Southwest Virginia region and provides free (or minimal charge) pharmaceutical services to thousands across the Appalachian region.
The pharmacy was named in honor of the Catholic sisters’ commitment to social justice and service to those in need, who brought health care to the region for decades and the continuing legacy of St. Mary’s Hospital that was a health care icon in the region for many years.
Pharmacist Dr. Jen Hammons, PharmD, said, “The pharmacy has been a dream of Health Wagon leaders for years and will change and save lives. I’ve seen patients ration doses of insulin, I’ve seen patients choose between eating and buying their medications, and unfortunately, I have seen far too many die without access to needed medications. We hope to bridge that gap. Being able to access lifesaving medications such as insulin will provide hope to those who feel forgotten.”
The pharmacy, located adjacent to the Health Wagon clinic in Wise, features a drive-through service window along with in-person service. In addition, telehealth consultations and point of care testing such strep and flu testing to optimize patient care will be provided. Hammons has certifications in diabetes management. Additional services include: Diabetes Education, Medication Reduction Therapy, Coumadin Management, Chronic Care Management, Oral Cancer Screenings, Weight Loss Therapy, FIT Colon Cancer Screening Tests, Radon Testing, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Retina Screenings.
Dr. Shamly Abdelfattah is a longtime Associate Professor at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy in Grundy and has volunteered with the Health Wagon for 25 years, helping with diabetes education and chronic disease management. Abdelfattah said, “St. Mary’s Pharmacy will provide much-needed care and medication to the region. This will make people’s lives better and save lives daily for the uninsured community,” Abdelfattah said. “Jennifer Hammons was one of my former students. She was always passionate about patient care and is a clinical pharmacist. She will be able to do chronic disease management and monitor patients 24/7 while they are at home with their blood sugars and blood pressure to better manage their condition,” he said.
Hammons calls herself a “homegrown pharmacist” and was encouraged to study pharmacy by St. Mary’s Health Wagon founders Sister Jean Korkisch and Sister Bernie Kenny as well as Health Wagon’s CEO Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, and COO Dr. Paula Collins, DNP. Hammons did her clinicals at the Health Wagon and always knew the Health Wagon was her home and it was her dream to provide care there. She thanked Tyson and Collins who took her to visit the Appalachian School of Pharmacy in Oakwood, showed her around, and encouraged her to study there. Hammons graduated in 2018.
“My husband is a type 1 diabetic, and the Health Wagon helped him get insulin for many years and I know saved his life,” Hammons said. “I have lived it. St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy will stock the most essential prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, thereby improving health outcomes for individuals and families who may otherwise go without necessary treatment,” said Hammons. She added, “Initially medications will be provided to the uninsured only; but there is hope to expand to the underinsured as the program evolves and grows. Proof of income will be required for the donors of the medications and people will be placed in the system on a first come, first served basis.”
Dr. Joe Smiddy, MD, medical director of the Health Wagon and a lung specialist, states, “Opening a free pharmacy is a game changer for our patients. This newest initiative will ensure that every uninsured patient can receive critical treatments they need to manage their health effectively and live a fuller life.”
“Our goal is to provide a lifeline to those who are struggling to afford their medications,” said Tyson. “We will tailor our services to meet the actual needs of our patients, ensuring that our resources are used where they are needed most. The most exciting aspect of this is that we will be able to provide many lifesaving medications. We are proud to lead the way in creating a healthier, more equitable community where everyone can thrive.”
Pharmacy Connect brings in almost $20 million in brand name medications
“Pharmacy Connect is a patient assistance program conducted in cooperation with the drug companies,” said Health Wagon CEO Teresa Tyson, DNP. “Through this program the Health Wagon gets brand-name medications at no cost to patients that qualify. Over the past 17 years, we have provided over $20 million in lifesaving medications through the Pharmacy Connect Program in association with MEOC and the Virginia Health Care foundation. This program will be continued through the pharmacy and will offer additional medication services to patients. The opening of the pharmacy is a natural evolution of the success of this program and has been made possible by a beloved donor and several caring pharmaceutical programs that help free pharmacies. “
About St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy:
St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy provides free and charitable pharmaceutical services to the community. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals by ensuring access to essential medications, promote health education, and to deliver compassionate and transformative care to those in need.
In the Media:
“’A Monumental Step Forward’ Health Wagon establishing new pharmacy service”
“Health Wagon organizing new free pharmacy”
“St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy opens July 18”
“‘Free, Charitable Pharmacy’ St. Mary’s Pharmacy ribbon-cutting is Thursday”
