Hill Health Center News Release

For immediate release December 18, 2002

Information: Robert Kilpatrick

503-3276 (w)

245-4533 (h)

rkilpatrick@hillhealthcenter.com

Hill Health Center Pharmacy Reopens

Hill Health Center (HHC) reopened its in-house pharmacy on Dec. 18, it was announced today by Cornell Scott, HHC Chief Executive Officer.

The HHC pharmacy is unique in the New Haven area in its participation in the 340B drug price reduction program, a federal initiative to reduce prescription drug costs for the uninsured. Only community health centers and Native American health clinics are eligible to participate in the 340B program. HHC serves about 5,000 uninsured patients, many of whom cannot afford medications for chronic diseases.

Catherine Sharafanowich, pharmacy director, said one highlight of the pharmacy is a robot that speeds the preparation of prescriptions.

HHC had operated a pharmacy for many years but was forced to close it seven years ago when the start-up of Medicaid Managed Care caused financial cutbacks.

Sharafanowich said that HHC hopes to develop an agreement with the Fair Haven Community Health Center to serve its uninsured patients.

HHC has created a Pharmacy Fund to help those patients who, despite 340B reductions, still cannot afford medications. Donations are being sought from individuals, corporations and foundations.