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Earlier this month, the Johnson City Community Health Center, which houses the pharmacy, hosted an in-house celebration to mark the occasion and celebrate the clinic staff who make it possible to offer crucial health care services to the community. 

It’s been 10 years since East Tennessee State University took over management of the ETSU Charitable Pharmacy. A decade later, it’s still playing a critical role in providing low-cost medications for uninsured patients in Washington County. 

Earlier this month, the Johnson City Community Health Center, which houses the pharmacy, hosted an in-house celebration to mark the occasion and celebrate the clinic staff who make it possible to offer crucial health care services to the community. 

“The ETSU Charitable Pharmacy is a vital part of the work we do at the Johnson City Community Health Center,” said Vanessa Smith, practice administrator at the center. “While our clinic serves patients from all backgrounds, we see a number of uninsured patients and are committed to providing excellent care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay – whether that is medical services, dental care or through our charitable pharmacy.” 

Formerly named the Northeast Tennessee Dispensary of Hope, the pharmacy was renamed the ETSU Charitable Pharmacy when the university took over operations in August 2014. Today, the pharmacy is operated by the ETSU College of Nursing and the Johnson City Community Health Center. 

The ETSU Charitable Pharmacy is a critical lifeline for uninsured residents of Washington County and patients of the JCCHC and Downtown Day Center, which is also operated by the College of Nursing.

Director Dr. Andrea Erb said the pharmacy is often the only way some patients are able to receive necessary medications for a myriad of diseases. That includes those in need of medications for diabetes, for behavioral health conditions and more.

“I believe underserved and uninsured patients in our community are really benefiting from the pharmacy,” said Erb. “It is huge for our patients to be able to receive medications they otherwise couldn’t afford, and we are extremely motivated and happy to ensure they get their necessary prescription medications.” 

The pharmacy is reflective of an overall commitment from the JCCHC to provide care for individuals in a variety of ways – including a community garden that produces fresh produce for patients and the community. Recently, the center also installed a bike rack donated by Trek Bicycle Johnson City to provide patients a safe location to store their bicycles. 

The ETSU Charitable Pharmacy is located within the Johnson City Community Health Center at 2151 Century Lane. It is open to uninsured patients who meet certain residency and income requirements.