At Promise Community Health Center, our mission has always been to break down barriers to healthcare and provide comprehensive, holistic services to our community. With that goal in mind, we are excited to introduce Hope Link, a new initiative made possible through a sponsorship by Wellpoint and a partnership with the Dispensary of Hope (DOH). This program will provide uninsured and low-income patients with access to essential medications—at no cost.
Dispensary of Hope, is a Nashville, Tennessee based nonprofit organization that collects surplus medications from pharmaceutical manufacturers and redistributes them to clinics and charitable healthcare providers across the country. Their mission is to connect abundance with need by ensuring that essential medications reach individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford them. With a network of over 260 sites in 34 states—including retail pharmacies and physician dispensing models—DOH facilitates access to medications at no cost. Each year, they fill over 1 million prescriptions through their Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliant program, certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
At Promise, health coaches play a vital role in promoting lifestyle changes to manage chronic diseases. However, lifestyle management alone is often insufficient for conditions such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or hypertension. For these conditions, medications are essential to prevent major cardiac events, protect organs, and improve overall health. Unfortunately, the same populations that face barriers to healthcare also struggle with limited access to essential medications. For example, high-quality diabetes medications often cost $500 to $1,500 per month—an expense that is simply out of reach for many uninsured or low-income patients. This lack of access can lead to worsening health conditions, preventable complications, and an increased burden on families and communities.
Hope Link at Promise is dedicated to making healthcare more equitable for those at the highest risk, particularly individuals with diabetes. Access to high-quality medications along with lifestyle changes helps stabilize blood sugar levels, protect vital organs, and prevent major cardiovascular events. This improved care enhances quality of life through a simpler, more effective medication regimen.– Lorilyn Van Dyke, Nurse Health Coach
Hope Link was made possible through our collaboration with the Dispensary of Hope and Wellpoint, as well as the dedication of our Population Health team. After months of planning, securing partnerships, and navigating regulatory requirements, Promise will be officially launching the program following the delivery of medications. This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our team members who have worked tirelessly to bring accessible medication solutions to our community. We are excited to officially begin the Hope Link program and make a tangible difference in the lives of our patients.