A new pharmacy is giving rural Wisconsin residents better healthcare access. The Emplify Health by Gundersen pharmacy is located in Hillsboro, which is in the southwestern part of the state. It could mean fewer long drives to pick up prescription medications and other services needed in the small community.
“Well, they call it critical access for a reason,” Michael Norder, lead pharmacist, said. “There is probably five thousand people in the greater metropolitan area of Hillsboro and it’s a half an hour, 45 minutes to go anywhere else for care.”
New pharmacy fills a rural healthcare gap
Many rural residents say accessing pharmacy services typically means traveling outside the community. They describe the location as an important investment in rural healthcare.
Heather Schimmers, president of Emplify Health, said rural communities can also face challenges attracting and retaining healthcare professionals and services.
“It’s hard for these rural communities to recruit highly skilled physicians,” Schimmers said. “They don’t want to be on an island and alone in their care and when you wrap yourself around in a larger system it works.”
Hillsboro pharmacy connected to larger network
And while the pharmacy is located in a rural community, those working there won’t be isolated.
The Hillsboro location is connected to a larger network. This will give staff access to other pharmacists, medications, and expertise throughout the system.
A connection like that can be especially important when a medication isn’t immediately available in Hillsboro.
“Our pharmacists will be supported by a group of other pharmacists,” Schimmers said. “You can get on a virtual call and ask for help. You got the backup.”
If a medication isn’t available in Hillsboro, the network can help locate it quickly at another facility.
“Maybe we don’t have a drug here, but we have it in West Salem and we will get these meds to people who need them immediately,” Norder said.
This plan should end many of the challenges the community has faced while providing a chance for better health services.
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