Connecticut’s Hospital Community Service Award Presented to St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Bridgeport Hospital Hope Dispensary of Greater Bridgeport

Sponsored by CHA and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the 2012 Connecticut’s Hospital Community Service Award recognizes St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Bridgeport Hospital. They, in collaboration with the Primary Care Action Group,joined with Connecticut state agencies and the City of Bridgeport to create the Hope Dispensary of Greater Bridgeport.

The program, which opened on March 21, 2011, provides prescription medicines at no cost to uninsured, low-income residents of Greater Bridgeport. It is Connecticut’s first Dispensary of Hope site. A licensed St. Vincent’s pharmacist works onsite, assisted by an AmeriCorps intern. Medications for treatment of cardiac, pulmonary, mental health diseases, and diabetes are provided.

An innovative system was developed to collect stillviable prescription medicines donated by physicians’ offices and local pharmacies delighted to recycle their unused medicines and contribute to public health. Strict government regulatory and licensing standards are rigorously observed.

As of March 2012, more than 700 patients have been helped, and the value of medications dispensed has well surpassed $100,000.