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RENTON, Wash. — People living with mental illness and other complex conditions rely on their therapies and medications to improve their quality of life and, in many cases, keep them out of the hospital. A small delay within the supply chain can cause patients to wait several days to receive their medications in certain parts of the U.S., which can be a critical issue for patients who depend on reliable pharmacy care. This challenge has been further complicated by recent provider shortages alongside a growing need for behavioral health care and treatment.
In the state of Alaska and rural areas of the U.S., these barriers to care can add up, causing gaps in treatment that have serious consequences for patients who depend on their medication. Genoa Healthcare specializes in mental illness and locates most of its pharmacies within community mental health clinics, which enables pharmacy teams to partner closely with providers to administer hands-on, personalized pharmacy care for patients down the hall from their health care provider. Additionally, Genoa keeps specialty medications that these patients depend on in stock. For behavioral health providers in Alaska, this resource has been a game changer in how they treat their patients, especially when it sometimes can take several days for certain medications to be shipped from the lower 48 states. By having a Genoa pharmacy co-located within their clinic, providers can direct patients who choose to use Genoa pharmacy down the hall to receive their medication on the same day of their appointment, and Genoa pharmacists can help these patients follow a consistent treatment plan through medication management support.
Nearly 80% of patients see their pharmacist as an integral part of their care team, according to a survey by Columbia University. Genoa delivers customized, stigma-free care to people living with severe mental illness, substance use disorder and other complex, chronic conditions. Genoa pharmacists work hand-in-hand with providers to coordinate care and ensure that patients’ full range of health needs are met. Having a pharmacist as an extension of the clinic partner’s care team can lead to improved patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care.
Genoa pharmacists complete Mental Health First Aid training to play a critical role in recognizing and addressing mental health issues. The pharmacy team members specialize in understanding complicated treatment plans in their entirety to support patients in taking their medications safely and effectively. This comprehensive understanding of a patient’s medication regimen can assist physicians in making sound clinical interventions, as pharmacists can provide insights into how medications prescribed by other providers may interact or affect the patient’s treatment plan. Additionally, on-site pharmacies can fill all medications, providing convenience and making certain consumers have access to all the medications they need to manage their overall health.
Genoa’s partnerships with clinic staff and other members of the care team can bridge gaps in care that make it difficult for medically underserved populations to receive the treatment they need. Genoa pharmacy teams are well positioned to make a difference in the communities we serve and look forward to helping as many people as possible access the care they need.
