Impact In Action Stories

Health & Dignity

Organization
St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy
Grant Amount
$109,000
Year
2019

The Challenge

For many uninsured and underinsured individuals in Greater Cincinnati, affording life-saving medication is simply out of reach—putting their health, stability, and futures at risk.

The Transformation

William, 47, had no idea he was ill—until a heart attack revealed dangerously high cholesterol and undiagnosed diabetes. After losing his job and his home, William was referred to the Charitable Pharmacy, where he received not only medication, but ongoing care from a nurse practitioner, diabetes education, and the COVID-19 vaccine. Today, he’s managing his health and building a new future.

David, 59, arrived in Ohio with no home, income, or insurance. Referred by a behavioral health clinic, he received free medications, support from an insurance navigator, diabetes classes, and compassionate care from a nurse practitioner. Just four months later, David transitioned into traditional healthcare—stable, informed, and supported by the community that welcomed him.

With funding from a 2019 Impact 100 grant, St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) constructed the Impact 100 Dispensary—a dedicated space within the Neyer Outreach Center where neighbors can access free prescription medications and holistic health support. The grant also helped expand part-time pharmacy roles to full-time, dramatically increasing SVDP’s capacity to serve those in need.

 

The Impact

  • 70,856 prescriptions dispensed to 1,400+ unique patients
  • Services expanded to six days per week, uninterrupted—even during the pandemic
  • Patient certifications exceeded targets by over 20% each year
  • $3.9 million+ in local healthcare costs avoided annually
  • 59–82% of diabetes patients improved A1c levels
  • 35% of participants in the tobacco cessation program successfully quit
  • 86% of medications dispensed through donations, maximizing the impact of every dollar
  • Teaching Kitchen launched diabetes-friendly cooking classes in English and Spanish

1,344 COVID-19 vaccinations administered, helping protect vulnerable patients

"The Impact 100 Dispensary has been critical to providing uninterrupted care—especially during the pandemic. Without this space and support, we simply could not have met the growing need."
St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy Final Report