CROWLEY, La. (Aug. 25, 2021) – A unique on-site pharmacy specializing in serving people with mental illness, substance use disorder and other chronic, complex conditions held its grand opening within Crowley Behavioral Health Clinic in Crowley on Wednesday, joined by Acadiana’s senior management team and staff.
The new Genoa Healthcare tele-pharmacy, the first of its kind in Louisiana, will serve individuals receiving services at Crowley Behavioral Health Clinic, which provides administration, management and operation of behavioral health and developmental disabilities services. Tele-pharmacy services are offered through remote dispensing sites, which look and feel like a pharmacy but are run by an on-site certified pharmacy technician. A pharmacist oversees prescriptions and patient counseling remotely via HIPAA-compliant audio/visual technology. On site, the pharmacy technicians are the face of the pharmacy, building and maintaining one-on-one relationships with consumers.
In Louisiana, approximately one in 20 adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Research shows that when pharmacy services are integrated with health care providers, people are more likely to obtain their prescriptions and stay on their medication plans. Genoa’s specialized pharmacy services include using pre-filled pill organizers to help people stay on their medications, proactive outreach calls, help with prior authorizations and other hands-on pharmacy care.
This approach to pharmacy care helps patients stay on their medications at a rate of more than 90%, compared to about 50% with a traditional approach. A study published in a peer-reviewed journal found that this type of integrated pharmacy also reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, which significantly reduces the total cost of care.
“We are excited to continue our relationship with Genoa by adding this service to Crowley Behavioral Health,” said Brad Farmer, executive director of Acadiana Area Human Services District. “Having a pharmacy on site will allow clients to access services and their medications in one convenient location.”
Crowley Behavioral Health Clinic and Genoa Healthcare leaders gave remarks along with ribbon cutting and lunch immediately after. The event was live streamed on the Acadiana Area Human Services District Facebook page.
“Genoa Healthcare’s partnership with Acadiana Area Human Services District is one of service and innovation,” said Jay Barnhart, Genoa’s director of operations for Louisiana. “Our new pharmacy means we can extend our high-touch pharmacy services to even more people in the community and help outcomes for individuals living with complex health conditions.”
