Genoa Healthcare opens 600th pharmacy

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Genoa Healthcare has opened its 600^th pharmacy amid a growing need for mental health and addiction services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new pharmacy is located on site at Southwest Network’s San Tan clinic here.

In partnership with community mental health clinics, Genoa said it provides pharmacy services to individuals in the same facility in which they receive their care, making it easier to obtain needed medications. A peer-reviewed study found that this type of integrated pharmacy also reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, decreasing the total cost of care.

The new pharmacy, Genoa’s fourth with Southwest Network, will offer services to approximately 1,500 adults who receive treatment and services there. Genoa’s specialized pharmacy care includes using pre-filled pill organizers to help people stay on their medications, making proactive outreach calls, helping with prior authorizations, and handling other key support services.

“The number of people impacted by mental illness and substance use disorder has climbed dramatically during the pandemic, which means the need for access to quality behavioral health care is greater than ever,” said Genoa Healthcare CEO Joe Douglas. “Opening our 600^th pharmacy, in partnership with Southwest Network, is an opportunity to help bridge the gap in care and improve health care outcomes and quality of life for the people we serve.”

“Our partnership with Genoa allows our members, providers, and nurses enhanced timeliness and quality, and a broader range of services. Our members may now have all of their medications from each of their doctors filled at San Tan,” said Dr. Andrew Mebane, chief medical officer of Southwest Network.

“This also allows oversight by pharmacy staff and our providers of all the active medications, enhancing safety and preventing any potential contraindications from prescriptions written by other providers,” added Mebane.

Since the start of the pandemic, approximately two in five U.S. adults have reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, up from one in five prior to COVID-19, and overdose deaths from opioids have hit new highs. In Arizona, roughly one in 20 adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. High-quality, integrated healthcare providers are vital in addressing communities’ growing needs.