United Health Foundation Partners with HOPE Family Health to Fund Rural Pharmacy Services Program in Tennessee

The United Health Foundation awarded a three-year, $1 million grant to help HOPE Family Health build a clinical pharmacy program in Middle Tennessee. The partnership is expected to improve outcomes by making it easier for patients to manage their medications and adhere to their prescription drug regimens.

“When you consider that each HOPE patient takes on average 10 medications, this new approach to care will enable us to comprehensively address drug-adherence issues, provide ongoing medication management, help avoid potential drug interactions, improve patient health literacy about their medications and — most importantly — improve patient care,” said Jenny Dittes, cofounder and chief executive officer, HOPE Family Health.

HOPE’s clinical pharmacist will work closely with medical providers and patients to provide in-depth medication management beyond traditional dispensing of medications. During primary care visits, HOPE’s clinical pharmacist will:

• Address the number of medications used by a patient, nonadherence and potential adverse drug events often overlooked due to provider time constraints;
• Directly engage with patients to promote health and wellness;
• Help patients determine the best way to take their medications; and
• Work with other health care providers to make recommendations and changes to medications if needed.

HOPE’s clinical pharmacist will also proactively reach out to patients with specific diagnoses, such as diabetes and hypertension, to monitor medication adherence and demonstrate improved patient health outcomes.

HOPE Program Shows Promise

Rural communities throughout Tennessee struggle to maintain access to high-quality health care services. Many experience shortages of physicians and other health care professionals in addition to aging populations and high rates of chronic illness.

“The United Health Foundation has built a critical partnership with HOPE Family Health in building HOPE’s clinical pharmacy program. Their joint efforts will help advance HOPE’s efforts to improve care and outcomes for people in Middle Tennessee,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to support HOPE Family Health in its efforts to better serve its patients by embedding clinical pharmaceutical care into its primary care offerings,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, executive vice president and chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, who serves on the United Health Foundation board of directors.

About HOPE Family Health

HOPE Family Health opened its doors in 2005 with the goal of improving access to medical and behavioral health care across rural Middle Tennessee. Over the years, HOPE has expanded to provide a wide range of services available to all individuals, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.