MedAccess Chicago

In October 2007, thanks to the generous support of the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute, The Chicago Community Trust (CCT), an anonymous donor, as well as partnerships with Abbott, AstraZeneca, Merck, and Novartis, CommunityHealth officially opened MedAccess Chicago. MedAccess Chicago is a licensed pharmacy housed at the health center that, through bulk donations from pharmaceutical companies, significantly enhances the availability of free prescription medications for the uninsured.

The only pharmacy of its kind in the region, MedAccess Chicago is designed to put prescription medications within reach of those who desperately need--but cannot afford--them.

As the executive director of the Sprague Memorial Institute James Alexander states, “MedAccess is addressing a crucial issue facing thousands of low-income, uninsured individuals in our community who are unable to access medications that are vital to their health and well being.”

Facts on MedAccess Chicago

Who is responsible for this project? Oversight and management of MedAccess Chicago is provided by CommunityHealth’s executive director, associate executive director and director of pharmacy operations. The executive director chairs the MedAccess steering committee comprised of key decision makers from the Alliance of Chicago Community Health Services and the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy.

Who Benefits?

• Eligible patients from CommunityHealth and participating community clinics are assured access to free medications that are needed to maintain their health and improve their well being. (Erie Family Health Center is the first community partner.)
• Physicians from participating clinics increase their ability to meet the needs of their patients and become increasingly familiar with medications included in the MedAccess Chicago formulary. 
• Hospitals see a reduction in emergency room visits and admissions, thereby keeping health care costs down for everyone.
• Participating pharmaceutical companies receive visibility and recognition for their leadership in meeting the needs of this vulnerable population.
  

How are medications obtained? Per negotiated contracts with pharmaceutical companies, bulk quantities of donated medications are delivered to the pharmacy on a predetermined basis. Physicians are kept current on the formulary and are provided information about the medications.

How are meds dispensed? A licensed pharmacist oversees day-to-day pharmacy activities and dispenses medications directly to CommunityHealth patients. For patients from other clinics, prescriptions are faxed in and then delivered on a daily basis for dispensing at the clinics.