Dallas, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas’ charitable pharmacy has surpassed 433,160 prescriptions valued at $129.1 million since its opening. It serves uninsured residents needing prescription medications and reports increased demand for its services. With over 8,600 patients served, the pharmacy operates as the first freestanding charitable pharmacy in Texas, highlighting the community’s essential need for accessible healthcare.
Dallas
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas’ charitable pharmacy surpassed 433,160 prescriptions valued at $129.1 million since its opening in March 2018. The pharmacy, serving uninsured residents in need of prescription medications, is operating as the first freestanding charitable pharmacy in Texas and reports growing demand for its services.
Key developments and current operations
In the current fiscal year, the pharmacy has dispensed 91,568 prescriptions to 3,585 patients. The organization also reports that, since its inception, the pharmacy has served over 8,600 patients and dispensed more than 450,000 prescriptions. Leadership framed recent milestones as a sign of community support and the ongoing need for accessible medications.
Basaglar insulin is the most commonly dispensed medication, with an uninsured individual facing a cost of approximately $750 for a 90-day supply if purchased on the open market. To target aid to those most in need, the pharmacy requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria before receiving free medications.
Who qualifies and how the program works
To qualify for free medications, individuals must have no health insurance, earn a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, reside in Texas, and possess a valid prescription. The pharmacy fills prescriptions for qualifying patients by combining donated drugs and purchased inventory. About one in five medications comes from donations; the remaining supply is procured through discounted channels.
The pharmacy relies on donations and relationships with pharmaceutical companies; about 20% of the medications are donated, while they purchase the rest from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs. The mix of donated and purchased medicines allows the pharmacy to maintain a broad formulary and meet common needs such as insulin and chronic disease medications.
Community impact and services
The pharmacy forms part of a larger local safety-net effort. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also provides services such as rent and utility assistance, food, and hygiene supplies, supported by over 800 volunteers. Pharmacy staff and volunteers work to reduce barriers to care, and the organization reports a measurable effect on emergency care utilization.
The organization has effectively prevented two uninsured ER visits for each patient it serves through its pharmacy services. That prevention effect stems from providing needed medications that otherwise might lead to unmanaged conditions and emergency treatment.
State context and demand
Texas faces a large uninsured population, which increases pressure on charitable services. Approximately 1 in 6 Texans qualifies for the pharmacy’s program, which equates to about 5 to 6 million individuals in Texas. In addition, Texas ranks highest in the nation for the uninsured population, with nearly 4.87 million people lacking health insurance as of 2023.
Concerns about policy and coverage changes underline uncertainty for many residents. Concerns exist that thousands could lose coverage due to recent changes in Medicaid and legislative measures impacting healthcare affordability. The pharmacy plans to respond to rising need by expanding capacity where possible.
Outlook and organizational goals
The CEO of the Society, Luis Gonzalez, expressed that surpassing $128 million in free prescriptions demonstrates compassion and hope for the community. The pharmacy director framed the operation as a life-saving safety net that helps patients who often encounter multiple closed doors when seeking care. The pharmacy aims to continue expanding its reach and services to help more individuals as demand for assistance is expected to grow.
Operational facts at a glance
- It is the first freestanding charitable pharmacy in Texas.
- Basaglar insulin is the most commonly dispensed medication, costing an uninsured individual approximately $750 for a 90-day supply.
- The pharmacy relies on donations and relationships with pharmaceutical companies; about 20% of the medications are donated, while they purchase the rest from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs.
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also provides services such as rent and utility assistance, food, and hygiene supplies, supported by over 800 volunteers.
FAQ
Q: How many prescriptions has the pharmacy dispensed since it opened?
A: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas’ charitable pharmacy surpassed 433,160 prescriptions valued at $129.1 million since its opening in March 2018.
Q: Is this pharmacy unique in Texas?
A: It is the first freestanding charitable pharmacy in Texas.
Q: Who does the pharmacy serve?
A: The pharmacy serves uninsured residents in need of prescription medications.
Q: What are recent volume figures?
A: In the current fiscal year, the pharmacy has dispensed 91,568 prescriptions to 3,585 patients.
Q: What have leadership representatives said about the milestone?
A: The CEO of the Society, Luis Gonzalez, expressed that surpassing $128 million in free prescriptions demonstrates compassion and hope for the community.
Q: What is the most commonly dispensed medication and its cost without assistance?
A: Basaglar insulin is the most commonly dispensed medication, costing an uninsured individual approximately $750 for a 90-day supply.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: To qualify for free medications, individuals must have no health insurance, earn a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, reside in Texas, and possess a valid prescription.
Q: What other services does the Society provide?
A: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also provides services such as rent and utility assistance, food, and hygiene supplies, supported by over 800 volunteers.
Q: What has been the overall service impact since inception?
A: Since its inception, the pharmacy has served over 8,600 patients and dispensed more than 450,000 prescriptions.
Q: How is the pharmacy funded and supplied?
A: The pharmacy relies on donations and relationships with pharmaceutical companies; about 20% of the medications are donated, while they purchase the rest from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs.
Q: Has the pharmacy affected emergency department visits?
A: The organization has effectively prevented two uninsured ER visits for each patient it serves through its pharmacy services.
Q: How many Texans could qualify for the pharmacy program?
A: Approximately 1 in 6 Texans qualifies for the pharmacy’s program, which equates to about 5 to 6 million individuals in Texas.
Q: What is the statewide insurance context?
A: Texas ranks highest in the nation for the uninsured population, with nearly 4.87 million people lacking health insurance as of 2023.
Q: Are there concerns about future coverage?
A: Concerns exist that thousands could lose coverage due to recent changes in Medicaid and legislative measures impacting healthcare affordability.
Q: What are the pharmacy’s future plans?
A: The pharmacy aims to continue expanding its reach and services to help more individuals as demand for assistance is expected to grow.
Key figures and features
| Feature | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Prescriptions dispensed since March 2018 | The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas’ charitable pharmacy surpassed 433,160 prescriptions valued at $129.1 million since its opening in March 2018. |
| Prescriptions dispensed this fiscal year | In the current fiscal year, the pharmacy has dispensed 91,568 prescriptions to 3,585 patients. |
| Service totals since inception | Since its inception, the pharmacy has served over 8,600 patients and dispensed more than 450,000 prescriptions. |
| Most common medication | Basaglar insulin is the most commonly dispensed medication, costing an uninsured individual approximately $750 for a 90-day supply. |
| Supply mix | The pharmacy relies on donations and relationships with pharmaceutical companies; about 20% of the medications are donated, while they purchase the rest from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs. |
| Volunteer support | The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also provides services such as rent and utility assistance, food, and hygiene supplies, supported by over 800 volunteers. |
| Statewide need | Approximately 1 in 6 Texans qualifies for the pharmacy’s program, which equates to about 5 to 6 million individuals in Texas. |
| Uninsured population (2023) | Texas ranks highest in the nation for the uninsured population, with nearly 4.87 million people lacking health insurance as of 2023. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CW33 News
- McKesson Foundation
- CBS News
- Dignity Memorial
- Wikipedia: Pharmacy
- Google Search: Pharmacy Assistance Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care in the United States
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DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
