OHHC Pharmacy Preparing to Open
Ohio Hills Health Centers’ new in-house pharmacy is expected to open within the next few weeks serving patients across all OHHC locations.
The pharmacy, located at 101 E. Main St., Barnesville, will operate under the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide outpatient medications at reduced prices to eligible healthcare entities, allowing cost savings for patients.
The OHHC pharmacy will be a closed-door facility, meaning only Ohio Hills Health Centers patients will be able to use its services. CEO Jeff Britton explained the model differs from traditional retail pharmacies because pricing is based on income and sliding-scale fees rather than profit margins.
As a qualified community health center, OHHC is able to purchase the medications at discounted rates and pass those savings directly to patients, according to longtime pharmacist John Jeffries, who will serve as pharmacy director.
Barnesville Area News posted the appointment of Jeffries in November. Read his introduction here.
“Whether you’re a medical, dental or behavioral health patient, you’ll be able to utilize the in-house pharmacy,” Britton said.
Construction of the pharmacy, funded entirely by OHHC at a cost of approximately $75,000, is complete. The facility is now awaiting final approvals, including inspections from the Drug Enforcement Administration and construction clearances.
Inside Ohio Hills Health Centers’ new in-house pharmacy. Photo Provided by OHHC.
The pharmacy will accept all insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Initial hours are expected to be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though the schedule is subject to change.
Britton said OHHC began exploring the idea of an in-house pharmacy about two years ago after changes to federal restrictions reduced the prescription savings patients previously received.
“Medications are getting to the point where they cost so much,” he said. “This allows people to afford their prescriptions without having to choose between medication and medical services.”
Britton said the organization’s service area includes nine eastern Ohio counties and three in the West Virginia northern panhandle.
“There’s a need for this type of pharmacy,” Britton said. “Our patient network is large so our patients will benefit from the addition of the in-house pharmacy.”
For additional information, contact OHHC Barnesville at 740-239-6447.
Documents provide a clear plan for the new OHHC pharmacy. Photo Provided by OHHC.
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