St. Anthony’s Donates Pharmaceutical Refrigerators to Free Clinic

The pharmaceutical refrigerator used for the Prescription Health Program stores thousands of dollars’ worth of medication at a regulated temperature. It ensures that medications stay viable for patient use. The refrigerator also provides a greater volume of medication storage, allowing the health program to increase the number of patients. 

For patients with limited refrigeration storage or unstable housing, the additional storage space in the health program refrigerator has a bonus, Free Clinic officials said. Patients now have the choice to take a 30-day supply of medication rather than having to worry about keeping a 90- or 120-day supply of medication at a consistent refrigeration temperature.

“St. Anthony's Hospital has given our Health Center a unique opportunity to make health care resources more equitable for our patients and give them the ability to improve their health outcomes,” said Alejandra Sosa, the Free Clinic Prescription Health Program manager. “The St. Anthony's Hospital pharmacy has been a great resource for understanding the Helmer pharmaceutical refrigeration products and allowing us to determine which refrigerator we would need.”

One of the ways that St. Anthony’s has worked closely with the Free Clinic is to keep medications safe during hurricane evacuations. “We’re in a Zone A Flood Evacuation Zone,” Sosa said. “During Hurricane Ian on short notice, the St. Anthony's pharmacy accepted all of our medications and kept them safe throughout the entire time we were closed.”

“We’re proud to continue our work with the Free Clinic and to provide them the help they need to expand their programs and help their patients,” McMahon said. “Many of our patients are also seen at the Free Clinic. Working together helps the continuity of care for them.”