Combining nutrition and medication to improve patient health and save lives
Members of the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio Team (pictured left to right are Janessa Cohrs, Sarah Tandon, and Sarah Jones).
The Charitable Pharmacy began as a joint project of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church and Access Health Columbus, now the Healthcare Collaborative of Greater Columbus. Since it opened in 2010, it has proven the value that strong community partnerships has on the overall care of a patient. And there’s something else unique and innovative about this expanding community partnership, the integration of nutrition.
Chronic health conditions can be better managed with a healthy diet as a complement to a well-managed prescription medication regimen. In October 2020, through the generous f
unding of AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation’s Connections for Cardiovascular HealthSM Next Generation program; the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio started the Farmacy in the City: Cardiovascular Care at a Co-located Pharmacy and Fresh Market Program. This innovative program is designed to help patients with cardiovascular disease, obesity, or hypertension to lose weight, reduce blood pressure, and optimize their medication regimen. Pairing fresh, healthy food with pharmacy care improves patient health and saves lives. All program services are provided at no cost to participants who receive prescription medication, prescriptions for fresh food, cooking classes, meal planning ideas, and tools to self-monitor their progress.
“Pairing fresh, healthy food with pharmacy care improves patient health and saves lives.”
In June 2021, the Charitable Pharmacy will open a second location in South Linden, co-located with a fresh food market run by Community Development for All People. Both organizations are committed to emphasizing the importance of “food as medicine” and providing access to fresh produce.
Artist rendering of the new location, opening June 2021
Not only will this new location provide access to medication and nutritious food, a third partner, Healthy Neighborhood Health Families (HNHF) will also be co-located in the space. HNHF repairs and rehabs homes to ensure residents have a safe and warm place to live. Together, these three organizations are making a significant difference in their community and ensuring that the comprehensive needs of patients are met. Visit Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio to learn more.
Dispensary of Hope is a primary source of medication for the pharmacy, and continues to expand access to medication for many of America’s most vulnerable populations. As a national non-profit medication distributor, they provide life-saving medication for more than 200 clinics and pharmacies in over 34 states.
*The AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation is a Delaware not-for-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3) entity, separate from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.