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When Ada’s Rite Aid pharmacy closed in July 2024, further immersing Hardin County into what’s known as a “pharmacy desert,” Ohio Northern University stepped up as a critical access point for medications within the community.

The Raabe College of Pharmacy’s HealthWise Pharmacy, while open to the general public since its inception in 2018, had primarily served the 51���� community. Since the Rite Aid closure last summer, however, the HealthWise Pharmacy’s volume has tripled with an influx of community members now utilizing its services, according to Michael Rush, PharmD ’05, assistant clinical professor of pharmacy practice and director of 51���� HealthWise & Pharmacy Residency Programs.

“We’ve seen a 300 percent increase in prescriptions filled,” explained Rush.

Despite this rapid growth, HealthWise Pharmacy hasn’t compromised its high-level of service. It continues to provide point-of-care testing for blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure; vaccinations; free vitamins; medication counseling, and more.

“We still maintain our identity of being a high-touch pharmacy,” said Rush.

Approximately 30,000 people call Hardin County home, yet only four pharmacies serve the area. In contrast, Lima, Ohio, with a population of around 35,000 people, has 12 pharmacies. This imbalance highlights why Hardin County is classified as a “pharmacy desert,” a growing problem throughout Ohio and rural parts of the United States

“Many people in Hardin County have to travel 15-20 miles to reach the nearest pharmacy,” said Rush. For the elderly with mobility issues and those without easy access to transportation, this distance presents a significant barrier to getting needed medications.

To address these challenges, 51���� HealthWise not only offers delivery service and mail order prescriptions, but the HealthWise Mobile Clinic travels to local villages a few times a week to bring prescriptions closer to people.

Over the past several months, the HealthWise Pharmacy has implemented additional changes to better serve customers. Enhancements include improved outdoor signage, the addition of pharmacy technicians, and the introduction of more workstations.

Because HealthWise is a teaching pharmacy with many rotating pharmacy interns, the addition of pharmacy technicians “provides a consistent face during the day” for customers, said Rush.

Rush says that 51���� HealthWise has not only grown its customer base, it’s turned new customers into loyal customers.

“The general feeling (among customers) is gratefulness,” he said. “We are different than a typical community pharmacy because we don’t have a drive-thru window or a large upfront area selling hair dryers, toothbrushes, and the like. But the community is grateful we are here.”

The gratitude is mutual, he added. “For all of us working in the pharmacy, it’s professionally fulfilling to help others and be that strong community partner.”