Glendale-based Ascension Wisconsin has expanded its Dispensary of Hope program to four pharmacies, ABC affiliate WISN reported Jan. 28.
The program is now available at nine Ascension pharmacy locations, with two new sites in Franklin and one each in Elmbrook, Ozaukee. It offers no-cost medications to individuals without health insurance who earn $46,000 or less annually and have a valid prescription.
Ascension Wisconsin covers operational costs for the program, while the medications are donated by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Applications can be submitted at any participating Ascension pharmacy, and eligibility does not require patients to receive other services from Ascension.
Health system leaders told WISN the expansion aims to reduce emergency department visits and prevent avoidable hospitalizations by improving medication access at the community level.
Ascension Wisconsin is part of St. Louis-based Ascension.
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