Our First On-Site Pharmacy
A unique on-site pharmacy specializing in serving people with mental illness, substance use disorder and other chronic, complex conditions will hold its grand opening within the High Intensity Mental Health Service (integrated Service Agency) in Sacramento on Tuesday, May 31, joined by our senior leaders and local officials.
The new Genoa Healthcare pharmacy will help individuals receiving services at Turning Point Community Programs, which provides services for those facing behavioral health challenges of all ages, including adults, children, and families. Turning Point Community Programs offers out-patient mental health treatment, intensive community based behavioral health and services that provide outreach and engagement to the unhoused population within ten counties in Northern California. Additionally, Turning Point Community Programs provides crisis residential and respite services as well as providing assistance for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
In California, approximately one in 20 adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Research shows that when pharmacy services are integrated with health care providers, people are more likely to obtain their prescriptions and stay on their medication plans. Genoa’s specialized pharmacy services include using pre-filled pill organizers to help people stay on their medications, proactive outreach calls, help with prior authorizations and other hands-on pharmacy care.
This approach to pharmacy care helps patients stay on their medications at a rate of more than 90%, compared to about 50% with a traditional approach. A study published in a peer-reviewed journal found that this type of integrated pharmacy also reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, which significantly reduces the total cost of care.
“This collaboration will enhance the care of the individuals we are privileged to support at the program,” said Al Rowlett, CEO of Turning Point Community Programs.
“Being onsite and integrating with healthcare teams is one way we offer a higher level of service to Turning Point Community Programs and our consumers,” said Robyn Howe, Genoa director of operations for California. “We look forward to our continued partnership with Turning Point Community Programs and to offer one of a kind specialized pharmacy care for the community.”