Purdue University introduces Purdue Patterson-McCallum-Mareta Charitable Pharmacy for improved medication access

Purdue University has announced that beginning in the fall, Indiana residents can visit the new Purdue Patterson-McCallum-Mareta Charitable Pharmacy, located at the Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, to receive both food and necessary medications at the same time. Individuals who meet income qualifications and are uninsured or underinsured will receive their essential medications free of charge.

According to an article on Purdue University’s website, Jasmine Gonzalvo, who is the Chris and Theresa Dimos Director of the Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation and a clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, said of the new charitable pharmacy, “This pharmacy will create measurable health improvements through accessible, pharmacy-based care. By expanding access to essential medications, we’re not just treating illness, we’re closing gaps in care, reducing long-term health care costs and helping those in Indiana live longer, healthier lives.”

The College of Pharmacy’s Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation seeks to help Indiana residents who may be unable to afford their essential medications receive what they need to maintain their health. By housing the pharmacy at the Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, individuals will be able to access both free medications and free food and basic necessities. In addition to receiving their medications, people making use of the charitable pharmacy will also receive health education and assistance from pharmacists for people seeking free medication who are ineligible for the service. Services are expected to expand in the future after the pharmacy’s initial opening in the fall.

Brooke Patterson, a Purdue Pharmacy alumna and a therapeutic area lead for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, made the founding donation for the charitable pharmacy. She said, “It is a great honor to join forces with CHEQI and Purdue in this vital initiative. Together we are deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has fair and equitable access to health care, and the creation of this pharmacy embodies that vision. It aims to bridge gaps in access while also offering Purdue pharmacy students a chance to understand and practice compassionate health care. This initiative is named after my family, whose endless love, support and selflessness have motivated me to pursue this mission.”

The initiative will make use of recyclable aluminum pill bottles designed by Pillumina, helping the project maintain sustainability while helping to serve individuals in need.

Speaking of the impact the charitable pharmacy will have, Fred Glass, the president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank, said, “This collaboration allows us to meet people where they are and to treat health more holistically. Food insecurity and health insecurity often go hand in hand. Now we can help address both.”

For more information about Purdue University, visit the school’s website.